Strategic Plan

Introduction

You imagined Nixa’s future, now we have a plan to make it happen.

We have been working hard to achieve the objectives described in this plan since late 2020.

Nixa’s Strategic Plan is a document that defines our vision & values, priorities, and goals for the municipal government.

The city listened to its citizens in the development of this plan by inviting everyone who loves this community to help us imagine Nixa’s future. The plan was drafted by the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee (made up of 15 Nixa residents) who worked with city staff to review the community input and ensure the plan addresses the challenges facing the community and the municipal government.

Now we are inviting the community to learn about the plan, ask questions about it, and hold us accountable to it.

This plan was adopted by City Council on Nov. 23, 2020 and we immediately began efforts to implement the various action plans described within it.

To see our current progress on the plan, select the “progress tracker” tab to learn what we have done so far to try to achieve each action plan.

Questions?

Contact our communications department at 417-725-3785.

Vision & Prioritie

Strategic Priorities and Action Plans for 2021-2025

The Strategic Plan is designed as a series of goals and objectives for the city to accomplish in order to fulfill the Strategic Vision of the Nixa City Council.

Our Strategic Vision

“The City of Nixa will be a high-performance government creating a safe community, reliable infrastructure, and sustainable economy with a vibrant atmosphere united by hometown spirit.” – Nixa City Council

The Strategic Vision is made up of 6 Strategic Priorities which are further described by our values.

Our Strategic Priorities

Strategic Priorities were adopted by the council and they describe our vision & values in broad terms.

  • High-Performance Government: We will continue to create effective, diverse, and innovative teams within the municipal organization which will use efficient processes to produce measurable and actionable results as we provide high-quality public services in a way that is clear, accountable, and financially responsible while engaging citizens and residents.
  • Safe Community: We will promote an exceptional quality of life through partnerships and proactive measures to ensure Nixa is safe, healthy, and welcoming.
  • Reliable Infrastructure: We will develop and maintain future-proof infrastructure designed to meet current needs and accommodate growth. We will provide safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly services.
  • Sustainable Economy: We will help our local businesses continue to thrive and expand while developing an atmosphere of entrepreneurship. We will engage in partnerships to create an environment that fosters the job skills and workforce required to succeed in tomorrow’s economy. We will invest in our community to attract further private investment and economic development. 
  • Fun & Unique Places: We will cultivate vibrant, unique, and accessible spaces which attract and benefit residents, businesses, and visitors. We will seek to add local flavor to new and existing spaces where people will want to spend time. Public spaces will offer fun and healthy recreational opportunities for all.
  • Hometown Spirit: We will engage, inform, and partner with residents, non-profits, and businesses to foster a sense of unity and inclusion across our diverse and growing community to preserve a shared sense of small-town pride and interconnection. We will invite participation in events, programs, and experiences that bring us together to enhance our quality of life.
About the Planning Process

Our Action Plans

Each Action Plan describes a specific desired result which is achievable by the end of 2025.

The wording of each Action Plan was approved by a unanimous vote of the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee and each describes something new the city should do or an area where the city has significant room for improvement.

You can expect the city to follow through on each Action Plan by the end of 2025.

To read the ideas and comments submitted through the Imagine Nixa community listening process, visit ImagineNixa.com.

To review the final plan document, select the “Strategic Plan Document” button below.

To see the latest updates on our progress towards implementing the plan, select the “Progress Tracker” tab above.

Action Plans

The content in this tab is still being filled-in as of 11/3/2023. For more information, contact the Director of Communications: ddouglas@nixa.com

High Performance Government

Action Plan #1: Streamline processes in an intuitive manner that reduces effort across all departments.

Action Steps Assigned:6 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #2: Update levels of technology and digital security to protect citizen and city data.

Action Steps Assigned:6 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #3: Identify and address staffing needs in order to meet community demands and provide efficient services.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #4: Offer compensation, benefits, and training which are all competitive.

Action Steps Assigned:12 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
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Action Plan #5: Ensure talent attraction efforts reach diverse professional and students organizations.

Action Steps Assigned:5 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #6: Develop and implement guidelines for visually portraying diversity in communications and marketing materials.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
1 assigned to Director of Communications
Action Steps In Progress:1 In Progress
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #7: Provide opportunities for voters to secure new revenue sources to ensure the long-term financial stability of the City.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #8: Expand financial transparency efforts to educate the public about city finances.

Action Steps Assigned:4 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #9: Expand and enhance message distribution systems, procudures and protocols to improve public awareness of city news, events, and program offerings.

Action Steps Assigned:8 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #10: Design and utilize a city app which is integrated with the website.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #11: Redesign Nixa.com to be more functional, interactive, and user-friendly.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #12: Implement a virtual platform for broadcasting city council meetings.

Action Steps Assigned:3 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:1 Completed and 2 Operational:

Community Safety

Action Plan #1: Build community trust of the Police Department through improved transparency and communication.

Action Steps Assigned:9 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #2: Provide voters an opportunity to fund law enforcement operations and facilities to keep up with community needs and demands.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:1 Completed:

Action Plan #3: Expand police department facilities to address the growth of the department and the need for additional workspace.

Action Steps Assigned:3 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #4: Offer more trainings and education opportunities to the public regarding policing and safety-related issues.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #5: Foster partnerships to enhance long-term crisis intervention programs.

Action Steps Assigned:6 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #6: Prioritize high-traffic areas when upgrading sidewalks and crosswalks.

Action Steps Assigned:4 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #7: Provide a safer method for pedestrian travel along Missouri St.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #8: Employ more traffic calming devices to encourage compliance with speed limits.

Action Steps Assigned:7 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
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Action Plan #9: Develop and annually review a comprehensive continuity plan for all operations to ensure uninterrupted city functions during all-hazards incidents.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
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Action Plan #10: Prioritize funding for facilities, equipment, and technology necessary to ensure the city is prepared for all-hazards incidents.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Reliable Infrastructure

Action Plan #1: Improve roadways to alleviate congestion in high-traffic areas.

Action Steps Assigned:4 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #2: Improve intersections to enhance safety and alleviate congestion.

Action Steps Assigned:3 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:3 Completed:

Action Plan #3: Create new road connectivity to alleviate congestion in high traffic areas.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:2 Completed:

Action Plan #4: Advocate to MoDOT that they prioritize various Nixa projects.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:1 Operational since 2021:

Action Plan #5: Improve public lighting to enhance safety and efficiency citywide.

Action Steps Assigned:4 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #6: Bury electric lines to enhance safety, increase reliability, and improve aesthetics.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
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Action Plan #7: Upgrade utility metering to Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) to improve customer service and reliability,

Action Steps Assigned:3 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #8: Improve commuity awareness of ways the public can minimize damage to our environment.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:1 Operational:

Action Plan #9: Implement a comprehensive Stormwater Utility in order to manage and enhance water quality.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Sustainable Economy

Action Plan #1: Seek to partner with a developer in order to build a new industrial park.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #2: Provide voters an opportunity to fund the city’s economic development efforts.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #3: Implement a unique economic development branding and marketing strategy for the city and distribute its key messages in creative and innovative ways.

Action Steps Assigned:4 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #4: Create a packet and electronic communications which explain the processes of starting and maintaining a business in Nixa.

Action Steps Assigned:4 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #5: Participate annually in tax-free weekend.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:1 Operational:
-The City of Nixa has participated in back-to-school tax free weekend since 2021.

Fun & Unique Places

Action Plan #1: Improve public spaces by incorporating landscaping, fountains, art, and conducting routine maintenance.

Action Steps Assigned:3 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #2: Invest in 5 art installation projects including sculptures, fountains, statues, and other art on public property.

Action Steps Assigned:4 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #3: Establish a citywide maintenance department to coordinate maintenance of all public structures, landscaping, and spaces to ensure functionality, operability, and fresh/clean appearance.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #4: Implement a process for members of the public to beautify public spaces.

Action Steps Assigned:3 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #5: Create and implement a consistent water tower painting plan.

Action Steps Assigned:3 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #6: Create a digital and printed maping system of all pedestrian-friendly pathways.

Action Steps Assigned:3 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #7: Prioritize funding to connect existing school and park properties to the regional trails identified in the Ozarks Transportation Organization Regional Trails Plan.

Action Steps Assigned:5 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #8: Develop new recreation spaces and renovate existing recreational spaces in accordance with the Parks Master Plan in order to meet the recreational demands of the community.

Action Steps Assigned:7 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #9: Provide voters an opportunity to fund the addition of an indoor pool at The X Center.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #10: Put forward at least one ballot issue which would provide voters an opportunity to fund expansion of parks department facilities and/or operations.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #11: Implement 5 additional recreational sports programs.

Action Steps Assigned:3 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #12: Implement new community activities aimed towards adults.

Action Steps Assigned:3 Total
Action Steps In Progress:1 in progress
Action Steps Completed/Operational:2 Operational:
– Pickleball program implemented in 2021.
– Adult co-ed volleyball implemented in 2022.

Action Plan #13: Implement more community enrichment courses.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #14: Create and implement an online platform for existing and new community classes.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #15: Offer X Center membership plans which include pool access.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #16: Make investments each year towards downtown district for revitalization.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Hometown Spirit

Action Plan #1: Develop and implement a marketing strategy that actively attracts and embraces diversity.

Action Steps Assigned:3 Total
3 assigned to Director of Communications
Action Steps In Progress:2 In Progress
Action Steps Completed/Operational:0

Action Plan #2: Implement at least 5 new diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Action Steps Assigned:6 Total
1 assigned to City Administrator.
2 assigned to Assistant City Administrator.
3 assigned to Director of Human Resources.
Action Steps In Progress:1 In Progress
Action Steps Completed/Operational:2 Operational:
– Research possible diversity & inclusion initiative programs by consulting regularly with local and regional organizations. (Operational since 2021.)
– Initiate an annual LEAD multi-cultural event to be held in city park. (Operational since 2022.)

Action Plan #3: Promote and host a roundtable discussion series with a diverse cross-section of community members to build relationships and addrress their needs within the community.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
2 assigned to Assistant City Administrator
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:2 Operational:
– Host a discussion event series to be facilitated by the Assistant City Administrator. (L.E.A.D. Nixa operational since 2021.)
– Present recommendations from the LEAD discussions to City Administrator for consideration and possible implementation. (Operational since 2021.)

Action Plan #4: Implement programs to welcome new Nixa Utilities customers – both residents and businesses.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
2 assigned to Director of Communications
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:2 Operational:
– Implement a “Welcome to Nixa” email with helpful info/links. Update the info as needed, as least annually. Distribute monthly to new residents, new newsletter subscribers, and new utility customers. (Operational since 2021.)
– Annually review and update, print, and distribute a paper welcome packet for residents, accompanied by digital version on the website. (New Resident Guide folder last updated in 2022, “Resident Guide” page implemented on website, as well as “Visitor Guide” page on website. Operational since 2022.)

Action Plan #5: Incorporate multi-cultural and inclusive aspects to existing events.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
2 assigned to Assistant City Administrator
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:1 Completed and 1 Operational:
– Add multi-cultural event to movie in the park. (Completed in 2022.)
– Add Cocoa with the Community to the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony (Operational since December 2021.)

Action Plan #6: By 2025, communications department should be creating community showcase videos on a monthly basis.

Action Steps Assigned:1 Total
1 assigned to Director of Communications
Action Steps In Progress:
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #7: Develop, implement and market a unique and comprehensive community brand identity not associated with any particular organization.

Action Steps Assigned:2 Total
2 assigned to Director of Communications
Action Steps In Progress:2 in progress
Action Steps Completed/Operational:

Action Plan #8: Add consistent and conforming welcome signs on all major thoroughfares.

Action Steps Assigned:3 Total
2 assigned to City Administrator
1 assigned to Assistant City Administrator
Action Steps In Progress:1
Action Steps Completed/Operational: