Waterloo begins work on strategic plan 2023-2026

The City of Waterloo has started working on the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan to identify the top priorities for the next term of Council. We need to hear from residents about their vision for Waterloo, as the strategic plan will guide the City in decisions on major investments, infrastructure and services.

“I’m excited to work with Council, staff and the community to put together the roadmap that will guide the next four years,” said City of Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe. “I’ve been asking “What’s next, Waterloo?” and through the strategic plan process, we’ll take the ideas we’ve been discussing, and together we’ll set goals and actions to move us toward a better future for all.”

The City is working with Deloitte LLP on the strategic plan process. Deloitte has been conducting a telephone Municipal Services Satisfaction Survey on behalf of the City. The feedback from residents in all seven wards will help us to better understand satisfaction levels with current City services and priorities. The next stage of the strategic plan involves public consultation with residents, and working with Council and City staff on community priorities for the next four years.

There will be several opportunities over the coming months for City of Waterloo residents to get involved and share their input and ideas for the strategic plan. A project page on Engage Waterloo has information about the strategic plan process, and an initial online consultation survey. City staff will open dialogues with a variety of community partner groups, and will hold community session roundtables early in the new year. Residents can subscribe to the project page on Engage Waterloo to receive project updates and details on additional feedback opportunities as they become available.

“We know a lot of great ideas and thoughts about the future of our community were shared during the election,” said Sandy Little, executive officer to the CAO and City of Waterloo staff project lead. “We want to capture those thoughts and more as part of this plan for a strong, sustainable future. We need to hear from all members of our community, from a wide variety of backgrounds, to help us understand the values that should guide staff recommendations and Council decision-making.”

The strategic plan will guide the City of Waterloo’s priorities and decisions over the next four years. Residents are invited to complete our initial consultation survey to help City staff understand the values that matter most for a future that is strong, sustainable, together.