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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVision Statement2.0 Community Vision VISION AND VALUES DEVELOPMENT Throughout the Comprehensive Plan’s Update process, robust community engagement led to the discovery and development of many community values and visions. The process was organized through the Project Management Team, Advisory Committee, City Staff and the planning consultant. This structure was key in educating residents, business owners, and others about the plan itself, developing trust across groups, and gathering community feedback. The real stewards of the engagement process are the participants themselves. Through the community engagement process, feedback was studied, historical trends and existing conditions were analyzed and a core set of values were developed. To summarize these values, a community vision statement was crafted. This statement provides the foundation for directing the work of the plan and achieving its goals for St. Joseph in 2040. The vision statement went through multiple iterations, with opportunities for feedback from the public and the Advisory Committee. THE SIX CORE VALUES More than 1,000 community comments were analyzed, as well as 373 survey forms. From this and all other feedback the following community values were developed. 2 | T HE C ITY OF S AINT J OSEPH C OMPREHENSIVE P LAN Strengthen the downtown St. Joseph residents recognize the importance of “Mom and Pop” shops and livable wages. Land-use and zoning decisions downtown should advance the economic viability of the City while controlling growth and identity. Expand connections with the local universities St. Joseph is home to the College of St. Benedict and houses many students from St. John’s University. Events hosted by the College are well-attended by the residents. Residents and students want to enhance this network. Invest in people-friendly infrastructure that supports active living. Support investment in infrastructure that enhances St. Joseph’s “small town feel” and is safe for people to use for walking, biking, and other modes. It is especially important to connect to the Lake Wobegon Trail and existing local networks. Connect across Highway 75 Residents have recognized that safe, convenient, and inviting physical connections need to be made for the community to grow cohesively across this infrastructural divide. Physical infrastructure and programming to connect these communities will be a priority in the near future. Maintain historic structures St. Joseph is home to several nationally recognized historic buildings including the Church of St. Joseph, the First State Bank, and St. Benedict’s Convent. The community recognizes these locations as assets to the community. Historic preservation will be a priority in land use and development decisions to preserve the City’s heritage and assets. Expand indoor and outdoor recreational facilities St. Joseph is known for its location as a trail head for the Lake Wobegon Trail and values the park and recreation facilities available to the residents. Public engagement participants ranked expanding recreational activities that highest priority for the city.