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.
Click HERE to view City Manager Jeff Downes’ Executive Summary.
To browse the departments, agencies and projects that support our City and this year’s Strategic Plan, click HERE to view the City of Vestavia Hills Online Budget Book.
2025 STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITIES & ACTIONS
1. Improve City Aesthetics for Economic Sustainability & Community Perceptions
- Continue Highway 31 right-of-way/gateway beautification
- Continue Cahaba Heights gateway improvements
- Evaluate lighting options for southern temple/gateway area
- Explore lettering options for southern temple structure following master plan guidelines
- Consider enhanced maintenance of southern temple structure
2. Improve City Infrastructure as a Foundational Element for Residents
- Continue use of “First Step Pavement Management Plan”
- Resurface a minimum of 8 centerline miles annually
- Continue implementation of stormwater master plan projects
- Utilize adopted sidewalk master plan and its priority list to guide projects as annual budgeted funds allow
3. Continue Improvements to Community Quality of Life Amenities
- Plan for east side library to be located adjacent to Sicard Hollow Road and accommodate parking demands
- Plan for new east side maintenance facility to be to be located on reclaimed land at SHAC and demolish existing facility to improve back entrance to Liberty Park ballfields
- Plan for improvements to Liberty Park ballfields
- Evaluate options for pool heater to extend swim season
- Evaluate construction options for sand volleyball courts
- Continue fundraising efforts to construct a Veterans Memorial at Altadena Valley Park
- Develop plans for community actions and activities to celebrate the City’s 75th anniversary
- Assist the long-term viability of the Historical Society’s mission
4. Provide a More Efficient & Effective Provision of City Services
- Evaluate more effective communication strategies to reach various age demographics, especially residents 18-35 years of age
- Embrace a culture of innovation throughout City operations
- Fully implement an asset management system
5. Continue to Prioritize a Safe Community Experience
- Support construction, apparatus enhancements and additional staffing to the fire service to accommodate growth in Liberty Park
- Plan for east side police facility to be located on reclaimed land at SHAC
6. Act as Good Stewards of Taxpayer Resources
- Adhere to established financial policies
- Continue collaboration with and investment in Vestavia Hills City Schools
- Continue trade area economic development strategies
- Produce job site signage to clearly define Vestavia Hills taxpayer projects
7. Provide Consistent Exceptional Customer Service
- Continue delivery of “Service Stars” customer service modules and other training programs