The Auburn Hills City Council has adopted a new set of goals for the 2014 year.

City Council
2014 Strategic Goals

I. Continue relentless fiscal sustainability

• Continually update/evaluate the 5-year financial plan
• Update/evaluate the capital improvement plan
• Emphasize operational efficiencies
• Reevaluate the overall investment plan for greater returns
• Maintain a general fund balance of 50% or more

II. Deliver outstanding city services

• Raise staff educational credentials
• Evolve emergency services to address future demands
• Support the library
• Prioritize infrastructure needs
• Reinforce existing high quality service culture (employees as ambassadors)
• Respond to differing generational needs
            -Services to teens
            -AARP pilot/Community for a Lifetime

III. Drive smart community development

• Continue downtown development & expansion
• Continue initiatives to attract new commercial/industrial development
              -Butler Rd., University Dr. bridge, Taylor Rd.
• Develop a residential plan which includes seniors to youth
• Develop a plan to address vacant retail storefronts
• Collaborate with neighboring local units for optimal compatibility of development
• Adjust/fine tune economic incentive programs
• Protect/enhance neighborhoods
• Help facilitate a Pontiac School resolution

IV. Leverage University/College Assets

• Brand Auburn Hills as a center of higher education
• Create a welcoming environment for students
• Develop student transit
• Introduce/integrate Auburn Hills into the OU community – students, faculty
           -Cooley, OCC, Baker, OU/Wm. Beaumont Med School as well
• Expand & strengthen relationships with higher ed. leaders
           -Address “OU as an island” perception – reduce barriers 
           -Host a VIP event
• Encourage university/college ancillaries downtown

V. Engage citizens

• Develop comprehensive generational initiatives
              -Teen programs (consider creation of a citizens advisory committee, incl. members from    
               schools, churches, emergency services, the Parks & Rec Director, Great Lakes
               Crossing, & teens)
              -Community for a Lifetime
• Conduct a citizen survey (independent)
• Make better use of TV, website, municipal events
• Encourage more citizen participation on boards & committees

VI. Lead Environmental Stewardship

• Continue discussion of/investigate burning impact
• Educate about/encourage/promote recycling
• Continue Clinton River stewardship
• Protect the natural beauty/resources/character of Auburn Hills
• Pursue green building initiatives
• Encourage the use of alternative energy