Town Hall #1 Honors Tradition of Citizen InputThe April Town Hall set a standard of excellence for citizen participation in thelong-term planning of Fountain Hills. More than 270 participants offered their ideasabout the core values they want Town structure and services to reflect, and theirvision of what “Fountain Hills living” should be in the next decade.

Facilitators from outside Fountain Hills provided structure and neutrality to the13 discussion groups. All participants’ ideas and suggestions were noted, and thestructure of the data collection process assured that every point of view had equalweight and consideration. Through a series of facilitated exercises, the groupscreated lists of what they value currently in Fountain Hills, and also their vision rela-tive to what they would like to:

• Keep the same or maintain • Change or improve • Add in the future

All these ideas were analyzedand grouped by subject intostrategic focus areas. The Townstaff met in June and preparedcost estimates and implementa-tion ideas for policy, program,and project approaches for eachfocus area. The result of thesesessions is captured in the new Strategic Choices; Strategic Framework Report. Itis available online at www.fh.az.gov/ourtownourchoices or by calling the StrategicPlan Update Line at (480) 816-5295.

Town Hall #2: Making Choices and Setting PrioritiesTown Hall #2 is about understanding options and making choices. The StrategicChoices; Strategic Framework Report, along with Town Council input, willshape discussions at Town Hall #2. All residents of Fountain Hills are invited tostudy alternatives, weigh the costs and opportunities, and then work together toform consensus and build the road map to the future. The outcome of Town Hall#2 will be a prioritized set of focus areas that will become the foundation of thedraft Strategic Plan.

Our Town. Our Choices.A Road Map to the Future

Fountain HillsStrategic Plan

Our Town. Our Choices.TOWN HALL MEETING #2

Where: Fountain Hills Community Center13001 N. La Montana DriveEast side of La Montana between El Lago & Avenue of the Fountains

When: Saturday, August 13Town Hall #2 – Public Discussion/Priority Setting for the 2005 Strategic Plan8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Free Continental Breakfast and Box Lunch will be provided.

Advance registration is required.Call (480) 816-5295, or online at:www.fh.az.gov/ourtownourchoices

Questions? Call (480) 816-5295

update #2July 2005

Future Takes Shape Around Ten Strategic Focus Areas

Ten strategic focus areas emerged out of Town Hall #1.The following are very brief descriptions of these areas.Full reports of Town Hall #1 and the Strategic Choices;Strategic Framework Report are available online atwww.fh.az.gov/ourtownourchoices or by calling theStrategic Plan Update Line at (480) 816-5295.

Small Town Atmosphere and Town IdentityParticipants indicated a desire to maintain a “smalltown” identity in terms of atmosphere and attitude.Many perceived a connection between maintainingtraditions, volunteerism, and limiting growth as ways toensure that the “sense of community” continues. In addi-tion, low crime, few traffic lights, limited traffic conges-tion, and retailers who are also community residentsadd to the valued “small town” ambiance. Attendeessuggested expanding attention on existing amenitiessuch as the iconographic Fountain and Fountain Park toreinforce the Town’s identity.

Commercial Vitality and Business DevelopmentThe completion of Fountain Hills’ downtown was thecornerstone of commercial vitality discussions. Partici-pants were united in their desire for a distinctive and“pedestrian-friendly” downtown corridor for enjoymentby residents and visitors alike. Participants supportedattracting popular smaller chain stores, galleries, andboutiques to enhance and bolster customer flow forretailers. Others suggested making downtown a vacationand shopping destination center.

Housing and AffordabilityAttendees expressed concern that the rising cost of hous-ing in Fountain Hills may limit the diversity of the Town’spopulation, particularly affecting young and middleclass professional families. Some participants felt thatFountain Hills teachers should be able to afford to livein the community.

Preservation of the Environment Participants were nearly unanimous in their vision topreserve open space, views, mountains, dark skies,natural desert vegetation, washes, and wildlife. Theywanted to extend this visionby encouraging conservationand protecting air andwater quality.

Parks and RecreationTown Hall participants indi-cated a desire to maintain,enhance, and create culturaland recreational activities thatwould appeal to a multi-genera-tional and multi-cultural population.Pedestrian-friendly trails, walkways,and greenbelt connections weresuggested to enhance parks anddowntown areas. Maintainingtraditions such as art fairs andholiday celebrations, and addingmore free events that appeal towider and more diverse groups,were popular topics. Major proj-ects, including larger facilities for theSenior Center, a youth activity center,and a multi-generational aquatic centerwere also proposed. Another suggestion was to expandthe parks to meet national standards.

Government Financial StabilityParticipants expressed a desire for a Town governmentthat is both responsive to citizens and financially stable.Attendees discussed the need to have a reliable revenuestream to fund and support its core values. There wasrecognition that the sales tax and state funds on which

Charting the Course Together...

KICKOFFJanuary 29

YOUTH VISIONINGMarch 16

TOWN HALL #1April 15-16

INFORMED CHOICESWORKSHOPS July & August

Strategic Choices;Strategic Framework Report

Town Council Input

Strategic Choices;Strategic Framework Report

Town Council Input

DraftStrategic

Plan

Town CouncilApproval

TOWN HALL #2Making Informed

Choices

the Town currently depends for over 80% of its generalbudget are both unpredictable. A number of groups sug-gested alternative tax structures, such as a property tax.Some groups suggested looking at the benefits of chartergovernment.

Municipal Government ServicesMaintaining public safety was high on the list of discus-sion topics, many voicing a desire for additional speedcontrols, lights at unsafe intersections, and additionalbiking and walking trails in the public areas. Town Hallparticipants expressed a desire for additional mass tran-sit to the Valley. Many also voiced support for a trolleyor mini-bus system of transportation within FountainHills. Some participants recommended limiting the num-ber of waste management service providers, starting arecycling service, and consolidating all vital public serv-ices under the Town government. Others supported con-tinuing collaboration with neighboring jurisdictionsregarding fire, police, and emergency operations. Somewere also concerned about the lack of 24-hour urgentmedical care in the Town.

Arts and CultureParticipants suggested increasing the visual and perform-ing arts venues (live theater, art galleries, dance, con-certs, and exhibitions) around downtown and FountainPark. Attendees perceived a lively cultural environmentas an opportunity to become a destination center forarts and theater. Many ideas surfaced around expandingpublic art as a component of the Avenue of the Fountainsupgrade.

Education: Higher and Continuing Education andSupport of Educational ExcellenceMany residents wanted opportunities for lifelong learn-ing in Fountain Hills through the expansion of adult,vocational, and university level instruction. They indi-

cated a need for a learning center (possibly sharing spaceafter hours with the high school or Senior Center) andexpanded online learning programs. Others were inter-ested in integrating Town activities and school activities(much like the Boys and Girls Club shared facilitiesmodel) to create and manage amenities such as anaquatic and fitness center or a performing arts facility.

Physical Planning: Zoning and ArchitectureIssues around zoning, planning, and commercial archi-tecture were prevalent in every group session. Citizensvoiced a strong desire for the Council and the Town tocontrol development. Some participants wanted theTown to annex State Trust Land. Attendees were in agree-ment about maintaining view corridors, height restric-tions, and open spaces. They also advocated policy andenforcement to regulate density, encourage natural land-scaping, and oversee architectural compatibility of newcommercial structures.

At the August 13 Town Hall #2, participants will face thetough task of reducing all these issues to a manageablelist of policies, programs, and projects that residents arewilling to pay for.

ES TOWN HALL #2August 13

SURVEYSeptember

TOWN COUNCILAPPROVAL

CELEBRATIONJanuary 2006

Sign up for e-mail updates, register for the Town Hall meetings, find detailedinformation on the process, download reports, and provide feedback at:www.fh.az.gov/ourtownourchoices

The Strategic Plan Update Line, (480) 816-5295, is available to providegeneral information about upcoming events, receive inquiries, and acceptregistrations for Informed Choices workshops and for Town Hall #2.

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC):Janice Abramson, Market ResearchSubcommittee ChairCurt Dunham, Town Hall Subcommittee ChairPeggy Fiandaca, Youth Visioning Institute Subcommittee Co-chairJim Hamblin, Civic Leader Interviews Chair The Hon. Edwin Kehe, Town Council RepresentativeHenry Leger, Youth Visioning Institute Subcommittee Co-chair

Roger Riggert, Fountain Hills Civic AssociationMike Tyler, CommunicationsSubcommittee Chair

Tim Pickering, Town ManagerShaunna Williams, Town Staff, Executive Assistant

Strategic Plan Update Line:(480) 816-5295strategicplan@fh.az.gov

Stay Connected

Calendar ofEvents

JulyWednesday July 13Informed Choices Workshop:Charter Government6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Community Center

Wednesday July 20Informed Choices Workshop:Town Finances6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Community Center

Wednesday July 27Informed Choices Workshop:Park Standards6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Community Center

AugustWednesday August 3Informed Choices Workshop:Architectural Controls & ViewCorridors (what the Town can andcannot mandate)6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Community Center

Saturday August 13Town Hall #2 – Public Discussion/Priority Setting for the 2005 Strategic Plan8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Community Center

Advance registration required.

Register online at:www.fh.az.gov/ourtownourchoices

or call the Strategic Plan UpdateLine at (480) 816-5295

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDSCOTTSDALE, AZPERMIT NO. 531

Town of Fountain Hills16836 E. Palisades Blvd., #AP.O. Box 17958Fountain Hills, AZ 85269

ECRWSSPostal CustomerFountain Hills, AZ 85268

Informed Choices WorkshopsThe Fountain Hills Strategic Plan is about making informed choices that reflectthe core values of our Town. The Civic Association, in conjunction with Townstaff, has designed a series of workshops for interested citizens to learn more.Some topics will be:

• Charter government • Town finances – tax and spending choices for the future• Park standards • Architectural controls and view corridors

The workshops will be held at the Community Center. Please refer to theCalendar of Events for dates and times. Advance registration is requested. Call(480) 816-5295 or register online.