OUR ORGANIZATION
Bringing Partners Together to Achieve the Community Vision for Polk County
Polk Vision unites residents, public, private, and civic leaders to identify priorities, create solutions, align resources, and take action for a stronger Polk County.
About Polk Vision
Mission & History
Polk Vision brings partners together to identify priorities, create solutions, align resources, and take action to achieve the Community Vision 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.
Over the years, Polk Vision has continued to serve at the forefront of identifying and building awareness of both current and emerging issues, prioritizing resource gaps, coordinating inter-entity alignment, and encouraging accountability.
In 2023, amidst unprecedented growth, it was evident the time had come to embark upon a thorough and rigorous update to the Community Vision that was both responsive to the current dynamics and addressed the needs for the future.
Thousands of residents were engaged from across the county through one-on-one interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Through this process, an updated long-term Community Vision emerged which identified strategies and measurable outcomes towards achieving our desired future.
In June 2024, research results were reviewed, and the updated Community Vision was approved during a joint session of the Polk Vision Board of Directors and its Operating Board.
On August 20, 2024, during a duly noticed regular meeting of the Polk County Board of County Commissioners, the updated Community Vision was unanimously endorsed.
Polk Vision continues to provide central coordination to align the work of hundreds of volunteers working to achieve the shared Vision for Polk County.
Our Approach
Organizational Structure & Process
Principles
These principles ensure our work targets systemic change or new ways of aligning resources to address underlying causes.
Systemic change occurs when an outcome or goal has been attained. This achievement is either through the elimination of the problem or through permanently aligning programs, policies, funding streams, or services to reduce the impact of the problem on a long-term basis.
Polk Vision strives to:
- Align and engage all stakeholders throughout the county to achieve strategic outcomes.
- Cultivate an environment of mutual trust and collaboration while working with transparency and a high level of accountability.
- Unify initiatives across the county through a comprehensive, collaborative, multi-faceted process that is recognized as generational, requiring significant time to achieve change and maximum impact.
Areas of Focus
A Shared Vision
The Community Vision for Polk County is defined within seven Areas of Focus.
Education
A collaborative educational network that connects students, families, academic institutions, community members, and local businesses, in support of holistic, inclusive, and dynamic learning opportunities.
Economic Advancement
An economic environment that attracts and retains industry-diverse businesses with high-paying careers and educates and retains qualified talent to align with targeted industry workforce needs.
Growth Management & Infrastructure
Strategic growth management and resilient infrastructure that protects the environment and quality of life, supports the unique characteristics of distinct communities, enhances education opportunities, and promotes sustainable economic development.
Government
Collaboration among all levels of government that is efficient, customer-focused, and effective in serving the essential needs of its citizens.
Community Health & Well-Being
A culture that prioritizes community health, wellness, and safety with equitable access to a range of high-quality, holistic resources enabling everyone to lead productive, fulfilling lives.
Arts, Culture, & Recreation
An environment that promotes arts, cultural, and recreational opportunities that celebrate our diverse creative, historic, and natural resources.
Civic Engagement
Citizens who actively learn, collaborate, and engage across both public and private sectors to ensure that Polk County continues to advance and prosper.
LEADS Teams
Progress Reports
Every LEADS Team is focused on achieving long-term outcomes as identified within the Community Vision. Teams are assigned an issue, select relevant strategies, and develop tactics to achieve measurable improvements.
Meet The Team
Staff
Kim N. Long
Executive Director
Tara Watson, M.Ed.
Operations Manager
Amy Nickerson
Education Collaborative Manager
