Strategic Vision & Goals

Strategic vision and goals

2020 VML Strategic Plan

Adopted May 15, 2020 at a meeting of VML’s Executive Board.

Our Mission:

Strengthening local government through advocacy, education, and information

When we do our best work and fully deliver on our mission:

• Local Governments are more empowered and effective
• Community members trust their elected leaders
• Local officials are respected due to their effectiveness

Our Goals and Strategies

To best deliver on our mission over the next three years we will:

1. Elevate the Impact of Local Government by Strengthening Relationships with and Between Municipalities
   • Increase connection with our locality members across the state
   • Grow our outreach and support with municipal staffs
   • Facilitate collaborative peer-to-peer connections

2. Accelerate Local Elected Official and Municipal Staff Impact Through Expanded Value-Added Programming
   • Expand support for newly elected officials
   • Bolster education through strategic partnerships with higher education
   • Maintain strong advocacy efforts and grow member voice with the General Assembly
   • Emphasize member localities’ leading practices and successes
   • Establish member connections leveraging 21^st century communication

3. Cultivate 21^st Century Leadership By Streamlining Our Governance Structure
   • Update our governance structure to include a broader range of municipal voices
   • Designate and articulate clear entry-points and pathways for leadership participation by members
   • Fully deploy and empower VML staff
   • Renew membership categories for broader participation and engagement

4. Support Strategic Initiatives Through Organizational Strength
   • Align current and new staff to support stronger relationships and member value
   • Cultivate a strong brand through focused and strategic communication
   • Re-envision the annual conference to strengthen relationships, engage members, and equip members for excellent leadership