FOUNDATIONAL
AREAS OF FOCUS
In order to achieve the overarching priority
of improved community prosperity before
2030, Polk County will have:
EDUCATION
A world-class, fully integrated
education system that supports
the needs of a vibrant, progressive
community.
GOVERNMENT
A comprehensive system of
government that is effective,
efficient, diverse and responsive
to the basic needs of its citizens.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
An economic development
environment that attracts quality
businesses with higher paying jobs,
improves productivity and retains
educated young people.
QUALITY OF LIFE
A quality of life that encourages
diverse backgrounds to live
in harmony while developing
physically, spiritually, mentally
and culturally within a healthy
and safe environment.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Private sector leadership that
drives the partnership with
government and citizens to
ensure that Polk County is a
premiere place to live, learn,
work and play.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Growth management and
infrastructure that protects the
environment, enhances quality
of life, supports education and
economic development and is
economically sustainable.
LONG-TERM
OUTCOMES
8
Each Alignment Team creates a Tactical Plan that begins with one or more of the Long
Term Outcomes listed below and ties back to a Foundational Area of Focus. The Teams work
backwards from the selected long-term outcome(s) to create mid and short term outcomes
and design tactics that best align community resources. This process ensures that multiple
approaches are considered. For example, the Literacy Team links their work in K - 5 childhood
education to increasing high school graduation rates — demonstrating the importance of
collective impact when addressing complex issues.
INCREASE
INCREASE
HEALTHY
COMMUNITY
ENGAGED
HIGH SCHOOL
COLLEGE
COMMUNITIES
PROSPERITY
CITIZENS
GRADUATION
& CAREER
RATE
READINESS