Strategic Planning: Detroit Future City

"Having a thought partner like           C-FACTS to support your organization will be the difference between doing business as usual or becoming  a fast growing, dynamic organization!"

— Anika Goss-Foster Executive Director, Detroit Future Cities

C-FACTS' Role in Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Engagement for Detroit Future City

Background: Detroit Future City (DFC) encountered challenges over five years, grappling with defining its mission and its role in implementing its strategic vision for Detroit. With the expertise of C-FACTS, a structured approach to strategic planning and stakeholder engagement was set in motion.

Key Actions Taken:

  1. Board Interviews:

    • Purpose: To ascertain the perspectives of Board members about DFC’s role and value.
    • Outcome: These interviews highlighted the diverse views within the Board and underscored the necessity for a unified mission statement.

  2. Data Analysis:

    • Process: Conducted an environmental scan, assessed community development partners, and analyzed various sectors including housing, land use, water infrastructure, commercial zones, and industrial sites.
    • Outcome: Comprehensive insight into Detroit's existing landscape, service delivery system, and potential areas of focus for DFC.

  3. Strategic Framework Development:

    • Process: Utilizing data and stakeholder feedback, C-FACTS organized two Board planning sessions and several staff meetings.
    • Outcome: The creation of an informed and unified strategic direction for the next half-decade, inclusive of performance metrics to track progress.

  4. Implementation Plans:

    • Process: With C-FACTS' guidance, DFC staff are drafting thorough work plans for every strategy. Each plan encompasses deadlines, required resources, major milestones, and deliverables.
    • Expected Outcome: Detailed roadmaps that the DFC can follow, ensuring every strategic decision is actionable, and success is measurable.

Benefits of C-FACTS' Involvement:

  1. Expertise: C-FACTS' seasoned experience in strategic planning was invaluable in steering DFC towards a coherent vision.

  2. Stakeholder Alignment: Through interviews and planning sessions, C-FACTS was instrumental in harmonizing differing opinions and achieving consensus.

  3. Data-Driven Decision Making: The meticulous data analysis undertaken ensured that the strategic direction set was rooted in reality and aimed at tangible opportunities.

  4. Guided Implementation: Beyond strategy setting, C-FACTS is aiding DFC in translating their vision into actionable steps, ensuring the feasibility of every initiative.

Conclusion: Detroit Future City's collaboration with C-FACTS exemplifies the power of expert guidance, structured planning, and stakeholder involvement. This partnership promises not just a clear vision for DFC but also a roadmap to achieving it, setting the foundation for transformative change in Detroit's future landscape.