2004

COMMUNITY VISION FIRST ADOPTED

About Us

Priorities, solutions, and action for Polk County.

Polk Vision was established in 2003 to bring residents together with public, private, and civic leaders to examine and address critical issues facing Polk County. Following months of research and collaboration, the countywide Community Vision was adopted in August of 2004.

Today, Polk Vision continues to provide central coordination to align the work of hundreds of volunteers working to achieve the shared Vision for Polk County.

2003

FOUNDED

7

AREAS OF FOCUS

100s

VOLUNTEERS ALIGNED
Leads

Organizational Structure​

How the organization turns priorities into action

Polk Vision is governed by a Board of Directors which oversees the Operating Board in its leadership of Teams working collaboratively on a range of complex issues within designated Areas of Focus.

The work is dynamic and requires continuous learning and adaptive solutions in addressing a range of complex issues. Polk Vision refers to this as our LEADS process: Learn all we can about an issue, Engage community partners knowledgeable and passionate about the issue, Align resources to address the issue, Develop plans that will result in systemic change and, Sustain achieved outcomes through continuous monitoring.

This countywide collaborative process provides the following advantages:

  • Greater returns on investment – by working together toward common goals, resources are leveraged, duplication is avoided, and efficiency is greatly increased.
  • Higher quality services – utilizing expertise from multiple organizations guarantees a broader perspective and a wiser approach.
  • Enhanced capacity – a collective effort enhances the impact of each organization while generating a much greater overall outcome.
Leads

Areas of Focus​

One Shared Vision

Every LEADS Team is focused on achieving long-term outcomes as identified within the Community Vision. Team members are assigned an issue, select relevant strategies, and develop tactics to achieve measurable improvements with the goal of improving Quality of Life for everyone in Polk County.

Impact Stories​

News from our LEADS Teams

Beyond the Pantry: How Polk County Is Building Long-Term Food Security and Stability

Food security is about more than providing food. It is about helping individuals and families access the resources, support systems, and opportunities they need to

Expanding Access to Care: Polk Vision Quality of Life Team Explores Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital

As Polk County continues to grow, so does the need for accessible, high-quality healthcare. To better understand how local providers are responding to that demand,

Upcoming Events​

Get involved in person

Polk C.H.I.P. Work Group Meeting

Polk C.H.I.P. Work Group Meeting

October 27, 2026    
9:00 am - 11:00 am
This meeting is for members of the Community Health Improvement Plan Work Group. For questions or additional information, please contact info@polkvision.com.
Inside PCPS Class Day

Inside PCPS Class Day

October 28, 2026    
All Day
Inside PCPS is a countywide leadership program developed in partnership between Polk Vision and Polk County Public Schools. Visit the Civic Engagement page for more information.
Polk Vision Operating Board Meeting

Polk Vision Operating Board Meeting

November 2, 2026    
8:30 am - 10:00 am
This meeting is for Polk Vision Operating Board Members. To learn more about the Polk Vision Operating Board, visit our Leadership page.
Leadership Polk Class XX Class Day

Leadership Polk Class XX Class Day

November 4, 2026    
All Day
Leadership Polk is the area’s premier leadership development program, bringing together individuals from across the county who have demonstrated a high degree of civic engagement. Visit our Civic Engagement page for more information.
Polk Vision Behavioral Health Team Meeting

Polk Vision Behavioral Health Team Meeting

November 5, 2026    
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
The Polk Vision Behavioral Health LEADS Team is a collaborative network of cross-agency stakeholders, including all the major mental healthcare providers serving Polk County. Visit the Community Health & Well-Being page for more information.