Kitchener wins innovation award for its resident-led strategic plan

The City of Kitchener has won the Municipal World Innovation Award for its 2019-2022 Strategic Plan. Municipal World’s inaugural Innovation Award highlights cities that are breaking away from traditional modes of operation to deliver real community benefits. Kitchener’s strategic plan has been recognized for using citizen feedback to create tangible community goals and commit to specific actions that are focused on improving quality of life in the city.

“I’m honoured by Municipal World’s recognition of our unique strategic plan,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Strategic documents are so often vague and simply reinforce the status quo. Our strategic actions, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, have been designed to both localize those goals while also having the greatest possible impact on people’s lives. Through a long-standing partnership with our citizen advisory committee Compass Kitchener, and an amazing staff team committed to public service, over the past 20 months, we have continued to deliver on our strategic goals of environmental leadership, vibrant economy, great customer service, people-friendly transportation, and advancing Kitchener as a caring community – while also managing the pandemic on behalf our residents and businesses.” 

Compass Kitchener jointly hosted public events alongside City leadership and led a year-long engagement program including a citizen survey, where people identified the issues that mattered most to them. Drafts of the plan were shared through online surveys and in-person workshops. Representatives from all of Kitchener’s advisory committees, staff, and stakeholders helped turn community priorities into five clear goals and 25 strategic actions. Compass Kitchener’s involvement continues as these actions are completed, reporting directly to City Council with an evaluation of progress made.

“I think the City of Kitchener has been very forward-thinking and courageous in giving its residents such a powerful voice,” said Compass Kitchener Chair Judith Stephens-Wells. “They’ve clearly demonstrated their belief in meaningful public consultation and the value of residents' views.”

Kitchener’s strategic plan was also recognized for providing a focused commitment on key priorities that would be used at all levels of decision-making, allowing the City to be consistent with the values of the plan as it responds to emerging needs.

“I am proud that Kitchener’s strategic plan was relevant in guiding our response through the pandemic,” said City of Kitchener Chief Administrative Officer Dan Chapman. “Staff were able to accelerate implementation of our Cycling and Trails Master Plan, our Make it Kitchener 2.0 economic development strategy, Housing for All strategy and the Corporate Equity and Diversity strategy to help respond to inequities amplified during the pandemic.”

Municipal World, has been continuously published since 1891 – longer than any other municipal magazine in the world. Founded in 1891, the magazine is devoted to promoting effective municipal government.

Find out more about Kitchener’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan at kitchener.ca/ourplan

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For more information, contact:
Shawn Falcao 
Manager, Corporate Communication 
City of Kitchener
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca