A brief update on last week’s strategic planning session.  In my opinion the session was beneficial.  As many of you are aware, my consulting firm does work in the strategic planning area.  The real benefits of strategic planning will only be realized if performance goals and metrics are developed as part of the process, which I intend to ensure.

The most important part of the workshop were the strategic issues and vision that we shared, including:

• Orland Park is the crown jewel of the Chicago Southland and we would like to keep it that way
• Orland Park has been a great place to raise a family for at least 50 years and we would like it to remain so for the next 50 years
• We need to maintain our aging infrastructure (buildings, roads and parks)
• Keep our parks and recreation as a strength of the Village

• The State of Illinois and Cook County
• Systemic changes in the retail environment
• Educating residents that the Village can’t be everything to everyone

Overall, this was a great step in the right direction.  Orland Park certainly faces a lot of challenges.  I believe that good decisions made over the next 2 to 3 years will put Orland Park in a strong position for the next 30 years.   The recently announced changes at Orland Square Mall and the RFP for the Triangle are a great start.  I look forward to more announcements at the mall and choosing a developer for the Triangle.