Mansfield 2020: A Unified Vision
The following Mansfield 2020 Unified Vision Statement and Vision Points were crafted by participants attending the Action Conference.
Please note that comments are no longer being accepted on the wiki at this time -- the final report will be presented to the Town Council on March 24, 2008.
UNIFIED VISION STATEMENT
Mansfield is a vibrant, diverse and caring community that offers its residents and the region unique cultural, recreational and educational opportunities. Known for its excellent public schools, community-wide events, inclusive and efficient government, working farms and protected open spaces, the town is home the main campus of the University of Connecticut. Principles of sustainability guide zoning and development, preserving the town’s historic character and providing for economic vitality. Mansfield is a proud historic community: A great place to live, work and play.
Priority Vision Points
Education and Early Childhood Development
Mansfield provides high quality, holistic education for all children and youth in the Town while celebrating the individuality of each child. Funding for education has broad support from the community.
Historic and Rural Character, Open Space and Working Farms
Mansfield’s cultural history together with its woodlands, open fields, and working farmlands, remain an integral part of the Town’s character providing locally produced food, abundant wildlife habitat scenic views and inviting recreational opportunities. Through collaboration with the University of Connecticut and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Mansfield is known as an incubator site for a growing number of entrepreneurial farms and farmers.
Housing
Mansfield has varied types of affordable and accessible housing that meets the needs of everyone, especially families, working adults, seniors and students.
Public Safety
Mansfield’s public safety services—police, fire and EMS—have appropriate resources to serve the present and future needs of the community. The community emphasizes the protection of life and property, and the importance of regional partnerships, volunteering and community policing.
Recreation, Health and Wellness
The Town of Mansfield has a variety of quality recreation facilities and programs that build a sense of community and citizen health and wellness. The community center is a key asset that promotes health, fitness and well being. Outdoor parks and facilities assist in this effort. These resources provide safe, affordable and accessible places to enhance the quality of life of people of all ages and socioeconomic levels.
Regionalism
Mansfield is a leader in developing regional strategies for addressing common concerns such as public works and infrastructure, public health and safety, education, economic development, transportation, natural resources, housing, health and recreation. Shared resources and expertise and other cooperative efforts lead to economies of scale, preservation of resources, and improved quality of life.
Senior Services
Through public and private efforts, Mansfield provides continuum of care services such as: housing, transportation and in-home care to create an optimal quality of life for an aging population.
Sustainability and Planning
Principles of sustainability guide the decisions, policies and regulations of the Town government and its regional partners. In order to achieve quality of life and economic prosperity for current and future generations, Mansfield protects and conserves land and water resources, reduces harmful emissions by promoting green transportation and energy, and plans for development that coexists with infrastructure, social and environmental resources.
University/Town Relations
Mansfield, home to the University of Connecticut main campus has built an enviable college-town community. Mansfield has established and maintained a good relationship with UConn through many cooperative ventures and partnerships including sustainable environmental and economic collaboration.
Mansfield 2020 Background
Mansfield 2020: A Unified Vision is a strategic planning effort that was initiated by the Mansfield Mayor and Town Council. Mansfield 2020 will define a strategic direction for the future of the Town and establish the basis for decision making and resource allocation by Council members and the community to the year 2020. A process termed Future Search is being used to facilitate creation of a vision for the future.
Future Search is an approach to strategic planning that invites broad participation and input from a wide range of perspectives to create common ground and a shared vision for the future. Elements of a Future Search Conference include developing an environmental scan, identifying key issues, articulating likely and desired futures and action plans designed to set the implementation process in motion.
The Future Search process was undertaken by an inclusive group of approximately 70 Mansfield residents and stakeholders and led by Mayor Elizabeth Paterson. Members of the group have participated in two Future Search Conferences to establish the key strategic planning and foundational elements of Mansfield 2020. The first Conference was held December 8 and 9, 2007 to articulate a desired future for the Mansfield community and identify critical success factors for achieving that vision. .A follow up session was conducted January 26 and 27, 2008 for the purpose of refining vision statements and developing action plans.
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