Strategic Plan

What is a Strategic Plan?

The Strategic Plan is the product of many months of diligent work by City Council and City staff. It provides a benchmark to measure key community outcomes and serves as the guide to provide direction for City staff to develop the annual budget – a results-driven document that focuses on the City’s seven primary goals as developed through the annual strategic planning process.

To browse the departments, agencies and projects that support our City and this year’s Strategic Plan, click HERE to view the FY 2026 City of Vestavia Hills Online Budget Book.

2026 STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITIES & ACTIONS

1. Improve City Aesthetics for Economic Sustainability & Community Perceptions

  • Complete Highway 31 right-of-way/gateway beautification
  • Complete Cahaba Heights gateway improvements
  • Evaluate and upgrade street and pedestrian lighting options for residential, interstate and City Center areas

2. Improve City Infrastructure as a Foundational Element for Residents

  • Reduce percentage of “lost streets” to 0% per PCI evaluation
  • Resurface a minimum of 8 centerline miles annually
  • Continue implementation of stormwater master plan projects
  • Focus on collaborative solutions to improve or repair aging drainage infrastructure along the entirety of Highway 31 and its adjoining drainage basins
  • Continue to construct sidewalks according to master plan priorities, with focus on securing grants to supplement budgeted funds
  • Establish ordinance to regulate driveway spanners to improve management of stormwater drainage
  • Consider implementation of a stormwater management fee to expedite improvements to public drainage infrastructure
  • Improve ADA compliant sidewalk networks that connect to the Library in the Forest and pedestrian bridge

3. Continue Improvements to Community Quality of Life Amenities

  • Continue feasibility study and preliminary design efforts for an east side library/civic building utilizing a steering committee and concurrence from the City Council on next steps
  • Continue design and construction of a new east side maintenance facility to be to be located on reclaimed land at SHAC
  • Demolish existing maintenance facility to improve safety at the rear entrance to Liberty Park ballfields and to expand parking capacity
  • Explore improvements to Liberty Park ballfields to improve playability and capacity for user demands
  • Complete construction of a Veterans Memorial at Altadena Valley Park
  • Maintain focus on ensuring equitable distribution of City-provided amenities for all citizens
  • Maintain a strong partnership and ongoing investment in Vestavia Hills City Schools (VHCS), highly prioritizing support for a performing arts facility and a wrestling facility that will serve both the City and VHCS

4. Provide a More Efficient & Effective Provision of City Services

  • Embrace a culture of innovation throughout City operations
  • Fully implement an asset management system
  • Commence construction of an IT disaster recovery site in coordination with the “Plan for Growth”
  • Continue investment in training to develop internal job skill sets that allow for cost-effective project implementation

5. Continue to Prioritize a Safe Community Experience

  • Commence construction of a renovated and enlarged fire station in Liberty Park and onboard new employees for enhanced fire service
  • Finalize design and commence construction for an east side police facility to be located on reclaimed land at SHAC
  • Continue expanding the use of technology and strategic policing of our City parks to ensure safe user experiences
  • Establish legally-enforceable regulations and a potential moratorium on the sale of edible products containing psychoactive THC
  • Publicize a micro-mobility guide and implement enforcement/educational strategies to improve safety

6. Act as Good Stewards of Taxpayer Resources

  • Adhere to established financial policies
  • Continue trade area economic development strategies that will sustain the quality of businesses, shops and restaurants
  • Evaluate and consider implementation of a new financial (ERP) system
  • Continue focus on the redevelopment and revitalization of Highway 31 South with a focus on hospitality options

7. Provide Consistent Exceptional Customer Service

  • Continue delivery of “Service Stars” customer service modules and other training programs
  • Continue human resource strategies that will sustain a positive organizational culture