The City recognizes the need for a forward-looking, inclusive, and actionable strategic plan that reflects the priorities of its residents, businesses, and stakeholders by further refining the five visioning elements in Destination Middletown: Resilient Neighborhoods, Thriving Economy, Strong Infrastructure, Healthy and Safe Living, and Pride in Community. This plan will: Establish a unified vision for the next 3-5 years. Define strategic goals and measurable objectives. Align departmental initiatives and budgets. Serve as a communication tool for transparency and accountability. The selected consultant will lead public engagement efforts, work together with City leadership and staff, evaluate existing data, and consolidate the findings into a comprehensive strategic plan. The kickoff for the Strategic Plan will begin with a retreat for the Middletown City Council, scheduled for Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Hueston Woods State Park, located at 6301 Park Office Road, College Corner, OH 45003. SCOPE OF SERVICES: The role of the consultant will be to work with City staff to plan, organize and develop a Citywide Strategic Plan to be adopted by the Middletown City Council in late 2026 for 2027 implementation. The formal initiation of services would begin at the planned retreat in February 2026. Core Attributes A successful Strategic Plan will be: Strategic – addressing key issues and opportunities Forward-looking – anticipating future needs and trends Holistic – aligned with the City's broader goals and vision Inclusive – informed by organizational engagement and stakeholder input Actionable – enabling practical implementation Results-oriented – focused on measurable outcomes
