The Vision Thing - How to get it done

The election is over and attempts for a strong mayor and/or strong manager still languish. Still alive though, is a desire for leadership qualities now regarded as in short supply: accountability, a cohesive story, and vision. But here’s the thing: Cities with vision typically don’t do so because there is one, and only one, person with vision. Strong, visionary leaders need citizens and community leaders who are willing to be part of creating this vision together with others.

So SRiQ thought we’d look at how a vision gets done, strong mayor or not. While we were expecting hefty tomes, the vision thing really boils down to three basic questions: (1) What do you have? (2) What do you want? and (3) How do we get there?

Before we look at these questions, it’s important to note that community planning in Florida has been largely viewed as a technical exercise in solving problems. While this seems like a worthy way to get things done, it gets to be a bummer when the priorities are always near-term “problems.” It also leaves out most people because technicians drive the process with models and spreadsheets and analysis. There really are good reasons to do things differently. Let’s focus on the first question: What do we have?

This seems like a silly question, but is essential to get straight before asking what you want. There are several terms to describe this activity: asset mapping, community inventory, or part of scenario planning. What are the benefits?

1. It creates lists of assets – human, programmatic, natural, economic, events, etc., … Information is power, and think of all the time and money we are wasting because community groups have no idea who is doing what with which resources. We are fans of Big Data for better decisions and these inventories are key.
2. It starts with the positive – Communities key in on strengths. This is important because “problems” are flipped on their head. How can vacant lots, storm water ponds or unused space be used?
3. It catalyzes relationships – No matter what your end products are (maps, databases, economic portfolios), one of the largest benefits is what happens during the process of coming together around the positives of our region.
4. It puts asset classes on a level field – In Sarasota, the environment and economic development have always been pitted against each other --- at least rhetorically. As part of a working inventory, green space is not a feel-good hippie hang-out, but valuable infrastructure.
5. With technology, assets can be assembled in one place, or in layers that matter for workforce development, highlighting a local supply chain or articulating priorities.
6. Almost every region in Florida is doing this: Southeast Florida, Tampa Bay, the I-4 Corridor. They will be eating our lunch if we don’t play with Manatee County and Tampa to the north, and Charlotte to the south.

For a good example, check out how Portland, Oregon asked these questions.

On December 14, there is an important all-day workshop on Asset-Based Community Development. The conference is $79 (early bird by Nov. 15) to cover costs. Topics covered will be: Introduction and examples; Why place-based strategies and engagement are essential; The role of institutions; Tools for ABCD; and building connector-leaders.

Let us know in comments if you’d like more bite-size articles on visioning, technology and other topics. Also let us know where  you've seen examples.