Committee of the Whole Strategic Plan Update – June 23, 2026

The Oswego Village Board Committee of the Whole met on June 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM to receive the first semi-annual update on the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, adopted in February 2026. The presentation, led by Assistant to the Village Administrator Maddie, detailed progress on 168 goals, including 103 started and 4 completed. Board members discussed the need for a feedback loop, staff workload balance, and recognition of community activities beyond the plan.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the board.

Discussion Items

• Strategic Plan Update Presentation: Maddie presented the first update since the plan's adoption. Key achievements included: expanded GIS dashboards across departments, a new procurement policy (January 2026), updated cash reserve/fund balance/investment policies, and identification of available industrial properties. Under board goals, progress was noted on: implementing the comprehensive plan (estimated winter 2026), bicycle/pedestrian plan (fall 2026), commuter railroad feasibility study, downtown accessibility (South Harrison Streetscape design), business attraction/retention (vacancy rate at 4.2%, lowest in 10+ years), Wolf's Crossing (Douglas Road roundabout fall 2026, $575,000 in new state grants), comprehensive marketing/communications plan (website redesign, branding, rack cards), water source transition (financing imminent, forest booster station complete, Ogden Falls receiving station spring 2027), financial stability (diversified revenues, tourism, DCEO grants, FOID revocation grant, building cash reserves), and infrastructure/asset management plan (top five assets identified: water, sewer, street, fleet, facilities). Lead team goals included: professionalizing procurement, nurturing community (Wine of the Fox 20th anniversary positive revenue, 250th celebration planned), IT efficiency (GIS), employee attraction/retention (compensation study on track for August, HRIS implementation), development services (comprehensive plan and bike/ped plan on track, self-service portal for permitting).
• Feedback Loop and Staff Workload: Trustees raised concerns about ensuring goals remain realistic and that staff are not overwhelmed. Dan (Village Administrator) noted that the six-month check-ins will allow adjustments. Maddie agreed to add a notes column to tracking sheets. Trustee Marchelle emphasized the importance of documenting feedback for future boards. Trustee Jen highlighted the need to monitor staff mental health and avoid burnout. The board discussed the risk of “scope creep” from non-strategic-plan tasks that divert resources. Trustees encouraged staff to communicate any legacy activities that are taking time away from strategic goals.
• Taking Credit for Broader Community Efforts: Trustee Jen noted that many community activities (e.g., Prairie Fest, school district interactions, fire district coordination) are not explicit goals but contribute to “nurturing a sense of community” and “growing with purpose.” She urged the board to recognize these efforts as part of the strategic plan’s spirit.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken. The board received the update and provided direction to staff to: (1) develop a formal feedback loop for goal adjustments, (2) communicate any legacy or non-strategic-plan tasks that hinder progress, and (3) create a media kit for consistent messaging on the strategic plan. The next update is expected in six months. The Committee of the Whole adjourned at approximately 6:30 PM to reconvene for the regular Village Board meeting at 7:00 PM.