The document discusses Montgomery County, Ohio's plans to shape its future through community cooperation and input. It outlines pathways to a prosperous future through job growth, education, affordable public services, and leadership. Surveys found citizens concerned about the economy but hopeful, satisfied with services but wanting sustainability. Forums will focus on issues, opportunities, competitiveness, quality of life, leadership, and developing action ideas.

1. Montgomery County, Ohio Future
Trotwood Democratic Club
March 8, 2012

2. Uncommon Cooperation is Now Common
Sense
 Montgomery County has a strong and proud history, but now is
the time for us to come together to shape our future.
 Our tradition is to face issues head on and innovate for new ideas
and solutions.
 The pathways to a prosperous future include:
– transforming our economy and growing jobs
– educating and developing skills to promote job opportunities
– sustaining cost effective public services supported by affordable taxes
– effective, well-structured leadership
– informed and involved citizens

3. Uncommon Cooperation is Now Common
Sense
 Facing the future requires doing things differently and finding
solutions. We also know that the right solutions can only be
developed with serious community input and people working
together.
 Good jobs, strong employers and stable family income are
critical ingredients of successful communities.
 The impact on communities is direct:
– people need more services
– population shifts are significant
– county and local governments have less money for essential services,
governance and economic development.

4. Uncommon Cooperation is Now Common
Sense
 This effort comes at a time when high-quality, cost effective
communities are necessary factors in attracting and retaining
the talent, creativity and jobs our residents need.
 How the county approaches streamlining governments,
growing the economy and jobs, sustaining attractiveness to
employers and talent are critical questions.
 The county must find solutions so its communities, workforce,
companies and families can compete successfully.

5. Uncommon Cooperation is Now Common
Sense
 The pressure for greater efficiency and effectiveness has
increased given the financial pressures on federal, state and
local government budgets.
 We need to “get it right” with well-researched action and sound
community buy-in.
 Many positive practices exist-locally and beyond. Today’s
need for efficiency makes it the right time to adapt the way
governments do their work and work together to produce
greater opportunity for all.

6. Community Information and Education
Process:
 Engage and educate the community through public forums,
media partners, website, and social media.
 Seek public opinion through telephone and on-line surveys and
interviews with community leaders including elected officials,
employers, economic development professionals, civic, faith
organizations and other stakeholders.
 MCO Future Index
– Index that compares communities on factors such a population
growth, employment, manufacturing concentration, housing
values. The purpose is to learn from similar communities as we
build our own solutions.

7. Community Outlook
Survey Background
 Goal: To understand the concerns of citizens and their views of
the community’s future
 Timing: The survey was conducted from January 9 to February 5,
2012
 Survey Topics:
– Public mood regarding the community’s future
– Top community concerns for governments to impact
– Level of satisfaction with public services
– Degree of receptivity to change

8. Overall Findings
 Theme 1: Key concerns pertain to the economy, but most people
1
believe things will get better.
 Theme 2: Citizens report satisfaction with public services, but are
2
concerned about sustainability and cost control.
 Theme 3: Results show receptivity to various changes, but
3
changes must make a real difference.
All in all, these findings demonstrate a strong base to
build upon.

9. Brighter Future
 Looking out five years from now, 64% are hopeful about the
future…

10. Local Government Focus
 Jobs and the Economy is Number 1 for City/Township
Governments!

11. Local Government Focus (cont’d.)
 These results indicate:
– A sense of urgency about the economy
– Reasonable satisfaction with public services
– Support for change if it improves the
economy

12. Initial Takeaways
 Citizens do not want change for change’s sake
 Citizens are open to change if it can be directly tied to
improvements in the economy…
 While sustaining public services, and holding down the cost of
government

13. Preliminary Schedule and Topics
 Public Forums:
– February 16: Our Issues, Aspirations and Opportunities
– April 11: Our Opportunities to Compete and Grow
– May-June: Our Services, Taxes and Quality of Life
– August-September: Our Leadership and Key Success Factors
– November: Our Best Ideas for Action
The forums will be held at centrally located Sinclair Community
College, Building 12 from 5-7 pm.