Strategic Initiatives

Every two years, City Council reserves time for study and ideation around emerging, critical issues facing Woodbury. Council identifies two or three urgent, high priority focus areas. Staff then designates an implementation team with a clearly identified team leader; develops a plan with clear goals, milestones, and performance measures; and reports at least once a year on outcomes or as dictated by the initiative timeline.

Strategic Initiative Criteria

  • Aligned with our Mission, Vision and Values
  • Consistent with existing plans, reports and guiding documents (i.e., 2040 Comprehensive Plan)
  • Issue urgency to be addressed in the short-term
  • May result in new ways of doing business, change in the status quo and examining current practices
  • Requires resources (staff capacity and/or financial) above what is already available
  • Supports proactive, rather than reactive management (fiscal and otherwise)
  • Will result in measurable achievement during the time period supported by SMART (Strategic, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound) goals

2022 to 2024 Strategic Initiatives

  1. Drinking Water
  2. Public Safety
  3. Environmental Stewardship

Water DropWater Treatment Implementation

As of August 2022, the Minnesota Department of Health has issued health advisories on nine of our 19 groundwater wells as a direct result of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A temporary treatment facility is currently treating water from six of the affected wells and the city removed the remaining three wells from service. While our drinking water continues to meet state standards and guidelines for PFAS, the well production loss due to PFAS will continue to strain the city's water supply system, particularly during summertime peak demand, until the permanent treatment plant is operational.

This strategic initiative will provide the necessary research, detail and information to help the City Council make informed, long-term and strategic decisions regarding the future of our water quality and treatment, as well as the water system's financial sustainability.