Note that there are two interesting documents linked from the quoted pages below. One is the background materials for tonight’s meeting, which includes a PowerPoint presentation on where the City is headed financially (hint: things are going to get tighter). The second is the draft strategic plan. Both are recommended reading.

From the City’s website:

Agenda - Work Session: Session I - Annual Retreat, 1/26/2009

Posted 1/16/2009

City of Gaithersburg
WORK SESSION

Mayor and City Council
Session I - Annual Retreat
Monday, January 26, 2009
7:30 P.M.
Background Material (pdf format)

I. Call to Order

II. Announcements

III. Topic(s)

  1. Financial Presentation
  • Economic Indicators
  • Trends in Revenues & Expenses
  • Real Property Assessments
  • Undesignated Fund Balance
  • Capital Improvements Plan
  1. Public Input

IV. Adjournment

Also from the City’s website:

Public Input Sought on 2009 Strategic Directions

Posted 1/16/2009

In advance of their annual retreat, the Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council will hold a special work session to gather community input on the draft 2009 Strategic Directions.  The televised meeting will take place on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 31 South Summit Avenue.  There will be additional opportunity for comment during the “Public Appearances” portion of the regular Mayor and City Council meeting on Monday, February 2. 

The annual Mayor and Council retreat will be held on Saturday, February 7 beginning at 9 am at the Gaithersburg Upcounty Senior Center, 80 A Bureau Drive.  While the public is welcome to attend, public participation will be limited to written comments only.

A copy of the draft 2009 Strategic Directions is available below. This document serves as a guide to help the City focus its resources on areas that enhance and improve the livability of the community.  The Directions also guide decision makers through the budget process.  Later this spring, public hearings will be held to discuss the allocation of resources in line with the adopted Strategic Directions.  There is ample opportunity for public input, and all stakeholders are urged to remain involved as level of service and program decisions are made.

“Public participation is vital to Gaithersburg’s success,” says Gaithersburg City Manager Angel Jones.  “In the coming year, we will embark on a new strategic planning process that allows for more direct input.  Through a series of community forums and facilitated discussions, we hope to develop consensus as to what issues are most vital to our City’s future.  We encourage the entire community to take part in these discussions as we explore opportunities and challenges in local governance.”

Please contact 301-258-6310 or cityhall@gaithersburgmd.gov with questions or comments.  City leaders value a healthy and productive dialog with members of the community.

  • Download the Draft 2009 Strategic Directions (pdf file)
    NOTE: This form is provided in PDF format and can be viewed with the Adobe Acrobat Reader. This format will enable you to view the document as it appears in print. If you do not already have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed follow the link above to Adobe’s free download area.