Lakeland Vision is an independent, non-profit organization that works to bring together citizens and leaders from throughout the greater Lakeland area to create an inclusive, collaborative vision for the future. The vision identifies shared goals for all aspects of our community's life, and specific steps to implement each goal.

Ten years have passed since the people of Lakeland have considered, collectively, what their future should be. To date, the community has addressed a majority of the strategies from the vision that was developed in 1998 (link to vision document). It is time to reach out to the citizens again to identify any unfinished business from the 1998 vision, to refresh our plan for the future, and to address new concerns that have developed over the last 10 years.

Lakeland Vision will start without any preconceived set of ideas or agendas. Through public meetings and workshops residents will provide a foundation of ideas and issues concerning the future of Lakeland. And everyone is invited to participate…the more diversity, the better the vision!

There is significant opportunity for community involvement. The process will consist of several public meetings that are open to everyone who works or lives in the greater Lakeland area:

• Idea-Gathering Meetings will be held in September to generate ideas about the future of Lakeland. This will begin with a meeting just for our youth and will be followed by a series of public meetings around greater Lakeland.
• Goal Writing Meetings will be held in October to review the ideas from the September meetings and translate them into goals and strategies for the future.
• "Mapping the Future" Workshop will take place in November to look at how Lakeland should grow, and what resources need to be preserved.
• Vision Open House in January 2009 will allow citizens the opportunity to review the draft vision, identify priorities, and volunteer to participate in implementation.
• Celebration! In February 2009 the Lakeland community will be presented with a refreshed plan for its future and will kick-off implementation of its Vision!

• Spread the word! Everyone in the greater Lakeland area is invited and encouraged to participate in the visioning process.
• Volunteer! Your help is needed. Volunteer to facilitate at the upcoming Idea-Gathering Meetings. Training will be provided and no previous experience is required.
• Donate! Lakeland Vision is still seeking donations for this comprehensive community-wide outreach effort.