DeSoto says city’s new strategic plan will keep it focused on the future

The city of DeSoto says its new five-year strategic plan will continue pushing the city toward the future.

The plan was created with input from city employees, council members, residents, business leaders, the DeSoto Independent School District, the DeSoto Economic Development Corporation, the DeSoto Chamber of Commerce and city boards and commissions.

The plan includes seven areas of focus to help guide leaders through the 2025 fiscal year. They are:

• Beautiful City: Foster community pride by enhancing the natural beauty of our well‐maintained city through use of art, sustainability and revitalization. Among the goals are creating a naming policy for city facilities, parks and streets and increasing community engagement.
• Building Trust: Increase public support by providing open two‐way communication with greater transparency. A goal in this area is to create a community policy advisory committee.
• Engaged and Vibrant Community: Provide access to community amenities that support arts, culture, sports, entertainment and retail for families, and proactively engage and involve the community. Officials hope to build a natatorium and recreation center at Meadow Creek Park.
• Image: Define DeSoto’s identity, promote its uniqueness, and communicate effectively. To do this, officials plan to create a marketing and community strategy around the city’s identity.
• Learning Environment: Cultivate an environment of learning and enrichment by supporting excellence in education, professional development, and job training. Officials will coordinate with the DeSoto ISD strategic plan.
• Safe and Healthy Community: Create an environment where residents feel safe, and have access to healthy lifestyle choices. Goals include reviewing the city’s enforcement of marijuana-related offenses and helping develop a regional mental-health services unit.
• Thriving Economy: Grow a diverse and innovative economy with increased commerce and employment opportunities. Goals in this area include improving affordable-housing options and creating economic development plans for several areas.