Salisbury, North Carolina October 6, 2023  SPECIAL MEETING  PRESENT: Mayor Karen K. Alexander; Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Sheffield, Council Members  Harry McLaughlin (joined via Zoom), David Post, and Anthony Smith; City  Manager Jim Greene, Jr.  ABSENT: City Attorney J. Graham Corriher and City Clerk Connie Snyder.  Members of Council participated in a strategic planning workshop with Ms. Michelle Ferguson and Ms. Janae Janik, consultants with Raftelis. City Manager Jim Greene, Jr. reviewed the process leading to Council's priority to develop a strategic plan for the City. Budget Manager Tracey Keyes introduced Ms. Ferguson and Ms. Janik and: reviewed the work that] had taken place  prior to the workshop.  Ms. Ferguson encouraged Council to think about what they would like the community to look like in 10 years. She led Council through an exercise to: identify the truths they believe  about the Salisbury community.  Ms. Ferguson reviewed an environmental scan compiled from meetings with the Management Team, chairs oft the City's Boards and Commissions, individual meetings with Council, and through feedback from an employee survey. She indicated population growth in Salisbury is exceeding national trends, and residents are concerned about housing and affordability. She pointed out there are also concerns around public safety, recruitment  difficulties, and employee turnover.  Mr. Ferguson then asked Council to list items that are true about Salisbury today and those things they hope will be true in 10 years. Council submitted their thoughts on sticky notes and their feedback was grouped into potential focus areas for the plan. The focus areas were:  Economic & Workforce Development (living wage) Organizational Excellence (anticipate growth)  Regional Partnerships Housing Affordability  Salisbury City Council  October 6, 2023  Page 1    Sustainable Infrastructure Cultural Amenities  Healthy Safe NeghbotiodsCommuniy Engagement  Ms. Ferguson stated she will modify the language for the focus areas and bring to stafft to begin adding details and objectives. She thanked Council for their time and participation. Mayor Alexander thanked Ms. Ferguson and Ms. Janik for their work on the strategic  plan.  ADJOURNMENT  Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield. Mayor Alexander, Mayor Pro Tem Sheffield, and Councilmembers Post and Smith voted. AYE. (4-0)  The meeting was adjourned at 12:54 p.m.  Karen  Lxpl  Alexander, Mayor  Cmuue Bbupl Connie B. Snyder, City Clerk  Salisbury City Council  October 6, 2023  Page2