A “Vision Statement and Strategic Plan” was developed for Rutland using the collated input from the Study Circles, Community forums and other Horizon work during the year. The Vision Statement is shown below and future blog segments will address where we are in working on each of the goals and strategies.

GOAL 1: Volunteers will be the driving force in providing services and activities that would otherwise not be available in a community the size of Rutland. Those currently active in the community will invite and encourage individuals of all ages not currently active, to engage in leadership roles and will be open to the new ideas these new volunteers bring to the table.

STRATEGIES	RESPONSIBILITY	BY	EVALUATION
Appoint two (2) Volunteer Coordinators to coordinate service needs and match with volunteer interests, abilities and availability.	Horizons Steering Committee	June 1, 2008	Volunteer Coordinators appointed and services are coordinated with Seniors, the Senior Center, and volunteers to provide needed services.

GOAL 2: Rutland will be a clean and inviting community in which to live and work

STRATEGIES	RESPONSIBILITY	BY	EVALUATION
“Clean Up/Help your Neighbor Day” will be held	Volunteer Coordinators; all able-bodied community members	September 30, 2008	Trees are trimmed, yards and debris cleaned up, minor repairs are made.
Remove or renovate substandard buildings	Building owners, City Council	January 2010	Buildings are improved or demolished
Repair and replace sidewalks	City, Property Owners	January 2009	Sidewalks are repaired or replaced on a regular cycle to ensure safe pathways for visitors, Seniors, youths
Establish a Renaissance Zone	City, Renaissance Zone Committee	January 2009	A Renaissance Zone is created for future development and funding possibilities
Install a “Welcome to Rutland Sign” or move burger to outskirts	City, Community Club	October 2008	Sign is installed near highway to draw passing motorists

GOAL 3: Rutland’s economy will expand and diversify providing a thriving Main Street, while retaining existing business and services. Tourism will be a significant area for economic growth.

STRATEGIES	RESPONSIBILITY	BY	EVALUATION
Upgrade and maintain current commercial infrastructure	City, Business Owners	December 2008	Infrastructure improvement plan is developed and guidelines established for ongoing physical plant maintenance
Identify potential community amenities for a tourism publicity campaign	Horizons Advertising Committee	Spring 2008; ongoing	Publicity draws increased tourism
Explore possible niches and incentives for new business	Rutland CDC	Start in 2008; ongoing	Needed businesses and available incentives will be identified
Explore the feasibility for a new business “incubator”	City, private investors, Rutland CDC	December 2012	Incubator potential explored; report presented on pursuing project or identifying alternatives to draw new business
Develop an advertising program for needed services/businesses	Community Club, RCDC, Advertising Committee	June 2009	Targeted advertising program is developed and publicity appears in local, regional and national publications
Identify potential routes for a hiking/biking trail	Hiking/Biking Trail Committee	2010	Potential trail routes are identified along with possible funding sources
Identify potential funding sources for projects	City, Advertising Committee, Hiking/Biking Trail Committee	June 2008; ongoing	Funding sources are identified and applications submitted for various projects

GOAL 4: Rutland will have appropriate housing and services for disabled and elderly with the goal of keeping that population in the community.

STRATEGIES	RESPONSIBILITY	BY	EVALUATION
Provide improved handicap accessibility in current apartments	Housing Association, Horizons Housing Group	2017	Current apartments are handicap accessible.
Build housing specifically for elderly and disabled	Rutland Housing Authority, Rutland Housing Inc., Private investors	2017	One- level housing has been built with walk-in showers, lever door handles and other handicap appropriate devices.
Provide improved mobility for seniors	Volunteer Coordinators, Senior Center, Community Club		Increased mobility is provided through volunteer efforts or through existing services such as Sargent County Health Services
Identify potential funding sources for projects	Horizons Housing Group, Rutland Housing Authority	June 2008; ongoing	Funding sources are identified and applications submitted for various projects

GOAL 5: Rutland will provide a recreational program addressing the social, educational and cultural needs of all age groups.

STRATEGIES	RESPONSIBILITY	BY	EVALUATION
Develop a recreational program for the entire community	Park Board, Rec/Community Center Committee, Community Club	Immediately; ongoing	Activities are regularly occurring in the community for all age groups.
Provide better management oversight and fuller use of existing infrastructure	Facility owners, Community Club, Park Board, City	December 31, 2008	Existing infrastructure is available and utilized more for community needs and services
A multi-use building will be available for recreational and educational purposes.	Facility owners, Community Club, Park Board	2015	A multi-use building is available – either through existing or new
Identify potential funding sources for projects	Park Board, Rec/Community Center Committee, Community Club, City		Funding sources are identified and applications submitted for various projects