A Strategic Plan is an important planning document to help organizations maintain focus on the future in addition to operationally addressing current issues and needs. The Strategic Plan expands beyond previous goal setting performed by the City since, in addition to annual goals, it also identifies longer range priorities and initiatives. Approval of the Strategic Plan also adds structure and provides context for future policy and budget decisions.

Similar to the City’s Biennial Budget process, 5 Year Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Plan, and the Parks Improvement Project Plan, the Strategic Plan is not a static document. It is reviewed, updated, and revised annually to reflect City Council priorities, business imperatives created by evolving customer needs and expectations, technology, and emerging legal and regulatory requirements.

The Strategic Plan is the product of a thoughtful and inclusive process of education and solicitation of City Council thoughts and priorities, City staff review and collaboration, and community opinions and preferences. Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) performed the 2026 Community Survey that helped influence the 2026 Strategic Plan.

Strategic Plan 2026

January 2026 FM3 Cathedral City Community Survey Analysis