RESOURCE:

City Council Strategic Plan

Ferndale City Council participates biennially in a strategic planning process to set high-level goals and define the strategy, direction, and logic for decision-making about resource allocation. The resulting Strategic Plan is a living document that features the Council’s vision and City's mission, and highlights the key priorities to be accomplished in the coming months and years. 

Strategic Planning Framework

City Council Vision

Ferndale: The benchmark for a modern community that embraces the richness of diversity and brings inclusive hospitality to life.
 

City of Ferndale Mission

Stewards of progress,  anticipating needs, engaged with community, serving with excellence.

 

Guiding Principles

  • Progressive
  • Equitable
  • Sustainable
  • Resilient

Values

  • Integrity
  • Inclusiveness
  • Innovation
  • Inspiration

Critical Success Factors

The City has eight Critical Success Factors (CSF)—high-level impact areas around which the organization aligns its strategic planning. Factors are reviewed and approved by a consensus of City Council during each Strategic Planning session. Ferndale leaders consider these CSFs essential to fulfilling the City's vision and mission.
 

  • Safe, Protected, and Engaged Community Ferndale residents flourish in a safe and welcoming environment where proactive, responsive, inclusive, and equitable public safety is foundational to community health. City government is accountable, accessible, and responsive to all who choose to engage in routine civic life.
  • Healthy, Connected, and  Invested Neighborhoods
    Ferndale has a variety of housing stock serving a diverse community across all ages and income levels. The City serves its neighborhoods by providing thriving parks and clean, healthy streets.
  • Organizational and Financial Excellence
    City government recognizes that leading a modern community requires a commitment to transparency, internal quality control, resilience, and financial prudence. City employees are committed to innovation, equity, and continuous improvement in the pursuit of excellence.
  • Economic Prosperity
    Ferndale has an energetic, supported, and thriving business community, with an innovative industrial district and a vibrant downtown. Entrepreneurs look to Ferndale to start and grow their businesses and contribute to a balanced and stable economy. Local businesses feel engaged with, supported by, and advocated for.
  • Accessible Transportation
    Ferndale prioritizes safe and accessible mobility options within our community for all.
  • Supported Infrastructure
    Ferndale cares for the infrastructure and assets that provide critical and valued services to the community. Ongoing maintenance is funded and planned for in both the operating budget and capital improvement plans.
  • Strong Regional Partnerships
    Ferndale recognizes its role as convener and connector of local and regional partners that contribute to the City’s success. Local schools, Downtown Development Authority, library, neighboring municipalities, and regional governmental and nongovernmental organizations mutually share information, and cooperatively engage with the City for support and partnership.
  • Climate Resiliency
    Ferndale is committed to taking local action and educating and empowering  our community to respond to the global climate crisis.