At its August 11 meeting, Delaware City Council unanimously approved the City of Delaware Strategic Action Plan, a comprehensive roadmap that identifies five priority areas to guide City policy, programs, and investments over the next two years.

The plan outlines targeted initiatives in fiscal health, economic growth, regional partnerships, mobility, and community vibrancy - each developed through a collaborative process involving Council and staff and input.

“This plan provides a clear, actionable framework for addressing our most pressing challenges and opportunities,” City Manager Paul Brake said. “It’s about aligning our resources, partnerships, and long-term vision so Delaware continues to thrive.”

The five priority areas include:

• Strengthen Fiscal Sustainability – Ensuring long-term financial health through strategic tax, fee, and pension planning; evaluating transportation impact fees and Special Assessment Districts; and developing a community-wide taxation policy.
• Grow & Diversify the Local Economy – Expanding employment opportunities and housing options through business attraction, workforce housing initiatives and zoning updates for accessory dwelling units.
• Collaborate for Regional Impact – Building partnerships for shared services, infrastructure agreements, GIS data sharing, airport collaboration, state advocacy, and redevelopment opportunities with other local jurisdictions and Ohio Wesleyan University.
• Connectivity, Vibrancy, and Mobility – Enhancing quality of life and downtown vitality by expanding trails and riverfront access, planning for the South Sandusky corridor, improving public transit, and implementing a downtown parking strategy.
• Solve Parking and Mobility Challenges – Advancing solutions to balance short-term parking needs with long-term infrastructure investments, ensuring residents, visitors, and businesses have reliable mobility options.
  
  The plan also includes an Implementation Phase that sets measurable goals, tracks progress, and ensures transparency through regular updates to Council and the public.
  
  “This is not just a vision document - it’s an action plan,” Mayor Carolyn Riggle said. “It gives us the tools to address today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.”
  
  The full Strategic Action Plan will be available for viewing here.