Title
Receive a presentation on the new Chatham County Information Hub platform and goal tracking initiative
Abstract
Introduction & Background: At the January 7, 2025 Board of Commissioners Budget Retreat, the board directed staff to create or to begin the process of creating a visual representation that tracks the Board of Commissioners’ goals.
Discussion & Analysis: Staff have developed a new Chatham County Information Hub that serves as the main platform for communicating the Board of Commissioners’ goals and direction. The site shows how priorities set by the Board are being implemented across County government and provides ongoing updates on key initiatives and outcomes.
Plan Chatham Goals:
• Preserve the rural character and lifestyle of Chatham County.
• Preserve, protect, and enable agriculture and forestry.
• Promote a compact growth pattern by developing in and near existing towns, communities and in designated, well-planned, walkable mixed-use centers.
• Diversify the tax base and generate more quality, in-county jobs to reduce dependence on residential property taxes, create economic opportunity and reduce out-commuting.
• Conserve natural resources.
• Provide recreational opportunities and access to open space.
• Provide infrastructure to support desired development and support economic and environmental objectives.
• Become more resilient by mitigating, responding and adapting to emerging threats.
• Provide equitable access to high-quality education, housing, and community options for all.
• Foster a healthy community.
Additional Commissioner Goals:
• Demonstrate sound fiscal stewardship to ensure we can meet the important service needs of our residents.
• Provide effective, efficient government that is responsive to the different needs of residents and varying circumstances across the county.
• Mitigate the impacts of poverty among individuals and households in the county through programs and services that promote stabilization and resiliency.
• Ensure public safety through adequate resources, plans, and partnerships to keep people and property safe.
• Strengthen relationships with other boards, municipalities, and regional entities to address common challenges and opportunities.
Commissioner's Areas of Focus
At the 2023 Board of Commissioners retreat, the Board of Commissioners indicated several key areas of focus for the County to prioritize in fiscal year 2024 and beyond:
• Local Economic Development Initiatives
• Partnerships
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Affordable Housing
• Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
• Health Initiatives
• Broadband Access
• Organizational Excellence
• Transportation
• Natural Resources
• Climate Change (added at the 2025 retreat)
Departments and Commissioner Goals
County departments with similar missions formed teams to provide better focus on achievement of these goals. To make the numerous goals, objectives, and strategies of Plan Chatham easier to track and address, high-level themes were identified and adopted by each team:
• Safe, Vibrant, Healthy Community
• Demand Driven Public Services
• Growth and Resource Management
• Organizational Excellence and Resiliency
• Data and Technology Gaps
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan:
Budgetary Impact:
Recommendation/Motion: Receive a presentation on the new Chatham County Information Hub platform and goal tracking initiative.