Letter from City Manager Reese Goad
The City is a robust organization with a workforce of more than 4,000 dedicated employees who are proud to call Tallahassee home. The City is the largest single provider of municipal services in our community, including police, fire, public transportation, electric, gas, water, parks, and more. Employees pride themselves on providing exceptional customer service, while also exploring ways to increase efficiencies and create a strong, vibrant community.
This commitment to best-in-class service delivery has cultivated our world-class parks, best tasting drinking water and led to our achievements as a two-time All America City, No. 1 Public Utility in the nation, and Best in Nation Gas Utility. Residents and visitors alike value our City’s unique qualities that earn Tallahassee nationwide recognitions, including Most Livable City and one of the South’s Best Cities. To build on our successes and ensure Tallahassee is the national leader in the delivery of public service, it is vital that we inspire our talent to be innovative and intentional in addressing existing and future challenges.
The strategic plan encompasses the City’s revised mission, vision, and organizational values which better reflect who we are as a community. Last updated two decades ago, these pillars were reviewed and revised in 2019 at the direction of the City Commission to reflect our community-focused, forward-thinking approach. Presented by a working group comprised of employees and residents, and adopted by the City Commission in April 2019, these statements serve as the plan’s guiding principles. They are ambitious, as are we.
Within the pages of this comprehensive strategic plan, you will see the integration of more than 40 departmental plans, research, and citizen feedback. Each of the goals and objectives is the result of a collaborative effort designed to seize upon opportunities and meet the needs of our growing, diverse community.
Tallahassee has long been a place where every resident is encouraged to make an impact. As we strive to reach even greater heights, you can help make Tallahassee one of the premier cities in the nation by staying informed and engaged as this plan is implemented.
Fast forward to 2024, Tallahassee is the benchmark by which other governments measure their efforts as they reach for success. With an established culture rooted in transparency, trust, innovative problem solving, and community engagement, Tallahassee is the best city ever.
Reese Goad,
City Manager