What is Spark Kettering?
Spark Kettering is an ambitious citywide strategic planning process that will develop a new Strategic Plan for the City. The process will include an inclusive, diverse, and effective engagement process to gather input from the public and other stakeholders within the community. The intended outcomes will include identifying and analyzing emerging trends and community issues, articulating core community values, establishing an action plan (policies, programs, and projects) to implement the vision, and defining a method to revisit and update the plan to ensure ongoing success.
What is a Strategic Plan?
A Strategic Plan is a long-term framework that outlines a roadmap for the future of the City. While this plan will be focused on the City as an organization, it often involves collaboration beyond the City elected officials and City staff to include the general public, business and industry representatives, service clubs, non-profit organizations, and school districts. The Strategic Plan is a moment to pause, take stock and define – as a community – what Kettering should be in the future and how to get there. Specifically, it will outline a path of continued success. It is based on input from anyone in the community that cares about the future of the city as a place to thrive, succeed, and prosper. The plan is a guide for City decision-makers and will include an overarching vision that aligns all aspects of Kettering community life and identify goals and specific actions the City will implement.
Why does the City need a Strategic Plan?
In general, planning represents good stewardship. Kettering is a one-of-a-kind city with a rich history. To ensure continued success, it is important to establish a clear strategy to harness Kettering’s current assets, develop wisely, and position the community to retain and attract citizens, businesses, and investment alike. The Strategic Plan will help ensure Kettering’s success for decades to come.
How will this affect me?
As a resident, employee, student, landowner, business owner, or other stakeholder, you stand to gain from a well-executed Strategic Plan. This is especially true if you become active in the process and share your thoughts and ideas. This planning process is an opportunity for everyone to participate and shape the future of Kettering, so that the authentic voice of the community is heard and reflected in the plan’s recommendations. This planning process seeks to align the City and residents on a common path forward where ideas can get turned into action.
Do I have to be an expert to contribute ideas?
You are an expert if you live or work in the City of Kettering! Spark Kettering is an open and inclusive process. Anyone who cares about the future of Kettering will be able to participate and contribute their ideas and insight.
How will my input be used?
When you contribute an idea, you are making an impact on the future of the City. Your ideas will serve as the foundation for the community’s vision, contribute to the plan’s goals, inspire specific actions, or set the course for implementation. As City staff and elected officials make decisions about your community, they will rely on the plan and ensure that those City decisions (i.e. ordinances and resolutions) align with the Strategic Plan’s goals and actions. All input gathered will be recorded, databased, analyzed, and documented by the Planning Team.
Why should you get involved?
By engaging in this process, you are joining your community and helping shape how the City of Kettering will continue to prosper for future generations. There will be multiple public engagement opportunities throughout the planning process where the community can share their ideas and provide input and feedback. More information will be available soon. In the meantime, visit www.SparkKettering.com to read more about the process and to learn about opportunities to participate.
What is the timeline for completing the plan?
The plan will be a 12-month process and is anticipated to be completed at the end of 2023.
Where can I learn more?
For more information about the process or if you have specific questions, please contact:
Dawn Kirchner
City of Kettering, Volunteer Administrator
937-296-2531
Dawn.Kirchner@ketteringoh.org