TOPIC COMMITTEE AND CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE VISION STATEMENT WORKSHEET

Vision Statement Worksheet


TOPIC COMMITTEE AND CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE VISION STATEMENT WORKSHEET

PURPOSE
At the start of the Comprehensive Plan Update process, the Queen Anne’s County Commission created a
Vision Statement for the County and serves as the building block for each of the Comprehensive Plan
Elements.


Queen Anne’s County Commissioners’ Vision Statement:

The vision for the future of Queen Anne’s County has remained constant with emphasis on
maintaining and enhancing

– a predominantly rural county with small towns connected by creeks and county roads
through fields and forest – a great place to live;

– a county that encourages agriculture, seafood and maritime industries, tourism and outdoor
sports, small business and high tech enterprise – a good place to work;

– a county that is a faithful steward of its natural and cultural heritage – a good neighbor for
the Bay and other Eastern Shore counties;

– a county in which development by some does not impair the quality of life enjoyed by all – a
community that protects the expectations and opportunities of all its citizens; and

– a county that supports the highest quality of education that seeks to fully prepare its
citizens for the future.



Now, each Topic Committee will create their own vision statements, specific to their topic area. This
vision statement will reflect the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOTs) exercise,
conducted as part of the Community Workshop series, and refined and ranked by each Topic
Committee. The vision statements to be created by each Topic Committee will serve as a building block
for each Comprehensive Element and will work to further the Queen Anne’s County Commissions’ Vision
Statement, through each of the topic areas.

The Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) will review each of the Topic Committee vision statements to
ensure that they promote the County Commissioner’s Vision Statement. The CAC will ensure that the
Topic Committee vision statements are internally consistent with vision statements created by the other
Topic Committees. The CAC will also work to create an overall County Land Use vision statement and
implementation recommendations for the Planning Commission.

The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will also create a vision statement and ensure internally
consistency between the other vision statement’s and the County Commission



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Vision Statement Worksheet


WHAT IS A VISION STATEMENT?
For comprehensive planning purposes, a vision statement is:
1. a mental picture: an image or concept in the imagination which expresses community values
and desired outcomes for growth, development and preservation related activities in the
community

2. far-sighted: the ability to anticipate and articulate, possible or desired future events and
developments

3. a reflection of community goals: through a community based strategic planning effort in which
citizens, citizen committees, staff and leaders work together to identify a series of shared goals
encompassing all aspects of community life, topic areas or elements. These community goals
will be initiated by each of the six Topic Committees and the Citizen Advisory Committee for the
following Comprehensive Plan Elements and Topic Areas:


Comprehensive Plan Elements
Topic Areas (Assigned Topic
 Land Use
Committees)
 Water Resources
 Resource Conservation &
 Municipal Growth
Environment
 Economic Development
 Infrastructure
 Sensitive Areas
 Town/County
 Priority Preservation
 Business & Economic
 Master Road Plan and
Development
Transportation
 Agricultural & Rural
 Community Facilities
Preservation
 Mineral Resource Recovery
 Historic & Cultural Preservation
 Workforce Housing

 Historic Preservation
 Reference to Community Plan

HOW WILL THE VISION STATEMENTS BE USED?
After the Topic Committees have drafted a vision statement each Topic Committee will develop a series
of corresponding goals. The vision statements and goals will be forwarded to the CAC for further input,
resulting in a set of goals that will be used to support preparation of the Topic Committee Advisory
Reports The CAC will also draft a county-wide vision statement for Land Use and set goals to support
development of their Advisory Report

Each Topic Committee will then work to identify the specific implementation strategies for their
respective goals. The strategies will identify short and long-term action steps needed to achieve and
implement the planning goals.

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF A VISION STATEMENT?
A community is more likely to achieve its’ vision for growth if the vision statement is clear and contains
specific goals and strategies. A community should utilize the vision statement to evaluate development
proposals and priorities. A community should be able to tell if the vision is being achieved through the
completion of goals and strategies that have been identified. Goals and strategies that are specific;
measureable; achievable; relevant; and timebound are critical components to monitor progress or
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evaluating outcomes. The vision statements and goals may focus on short and long-term conditions.
Objectives may include a series of short-term strategies or steps that may be necessary to achieve a
longer-term goal.

ARE VISION STATEMENTS EFFECTIVE?
To become really effective, a vision statement needs strong leadership and community support. The
current policies, procedures and culture may need to be updated and changed in order to achieve the
new vision and adjust past practices that may be in conflict or hinder the achievement of the vision. The
vision must, in essence, become assimilated into every aspect of the organization's culture. Leaders
have the responsibility of communicating the vision regularly, creating narratives that illustrate the
vision, and making decisions that will support the short and long-term objectives of the vision.

STEPS FOR CREATING THE TOPIC COMMITTEES AND CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE VISION STATEMENTS

1. Review the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners’ Vision Statement
2. Review the final SWOTs analysis and Sustainability Indicators as refined by each of the Topic
committees and identify the community’s issue and Priority areas included in “Attachment A”
3. Review the draft vision statement provided for each topic committee and the Citizen Advisory
Committee included in the Vision Statement Worksheets for your Topic Committee or Citizen
Advisory Committee
4. Prepare measurable, meaningful, and attainable goals needed to achieve the vision (Goal
setting will be conducted in Meeting #4 of the Topic Committees and in Meeting #5 of the
Citizen Advisory Committee)
5. Formulate action strategies for each goal and identify the processes to be taken to achieve
these goals (Map your path)
6. Identify how goals and strategies are to implemented
7. Identify how to measure progress of the goals and strategies and monitor conditions to
determine if strategies need to be adjusted

Refer to next page for details of draft vision statements for Topic Committees. These draft vision
statements are to be reviewed by Topic Committees and Citizen Advisory Committee members.











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Vision Statement Worksheet


DRAFT VISION STATEMENTS
The following draft vision statements are under review by the Topic Committees and can be enhanced
with input from the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). The vision statements have been drafted based
upon input from the community during the Visioning Workshop activities and input from the CAC and
Topic Committees through the SWOT Refinement Activity and discussions as well as initial input from
the Comprehensive Plan Team. These statements are DRAFT and subject to change based upon
committee review and modification.

Additional guidance with respect to the vision statement content will be provided by the Comprehensive
Plan Team and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) based upon State requirements associated with
each of the committee topics. Please note, the CAC Land Use Vision Statement has not yet been
formulated. Since all plan topics and elements have a direct relationship to land use, the land use
statement will be prepared once all topic/element Vision Statements have been finalized.

CAC HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
Please provide your thoughts and comments for each of the vision statements provided on pages 5-10 in
preparation for further discussion about these statements in Meetings 5 & 6. The draft vision
statements have been prepared in the format explained in this worksheet. Moreover, each topic vision
statement has a relationship to the Commissioners’ Vision Statement. In subsequent meetings, the CAC
will develop a vision statement for Land Use and goals and objectives associated with the Land Use
Vision Statement as well as provide input to each of the Topic Committee goals and objectives.

TC HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
Please provide your thoughts and comments for each of the vision statements provided on pages 5-10
that are relevant to your Topic Committee (TC). This will be in preparation for further discussion about
these statements in Meeting 3 for your assigned topic. The draft vision statements have been prepared
in the format explained in this worksheet. Moreover, each topic vision statement has a relationship to
the Commissioners’ Vision Statement. In subsequent meetings, the TCs will develop goals and
objectives associated with each of the TC’s relevant Vision Statement.

TAC HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
The TAC will be working internally to develop a Vision Statement to be consistent with the
Commissioners’ Vision Statement and topic/element Vision Statements.

LAND USE VISION STATEMENT
(TO BE DEVELOPED BY CAC IN UPCOMING MEETINGS)

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VISION STATEMENT WORKSHEET FOR TOWN AND COUNTY TOPIC COMMITTEE

DRAFT TOWN AND COUNTY VISION STATEMENT
Land use policies and development standards are consistent through the strong ties that exist between
Queen Anne’s County and its established towns and villages. Continued collaboration is a key ingredient
found to have contributed to the success of the working land use plan and implementation measures
taking place.

The vision for the future of Queen Anne’s County and municipal jurisdictions is to maintain and enhance
communities across the county as great places to live through the county and towns working
collaboratively, cooperatively and continuously for the purpose of:
 Improving the quality of life in all communities through effective and strategic land use planning
and regulation;
 Developing partnerships that identify and implement solutions in the best interest for all
residents; and
 Providing and maintaining necessary community facilities and services.

THOUGHTS/COMMENTS:







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VISION STATEMENT WORKSHEET FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENTAL TOPIC COMMITTEE

DRAFT RESOURCE CONSERVATION & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION VISION STATEMENT
Residents enjoy unspoiled open spaces and enhanced quality of life because Queen Anne’s County
actively participates in the resource protection programs designed to preserve prime farmland and
woodland that are rich in rural character and environmental quality.

The vision for the future of Queen Anne’s County is to maintain and enhance the county as a faithful
steward of its natural and cultural heritage and to be known as a good neighbor for the Bay and other
Easter Shore counties through resource conservation and environmental protection for the purpose of:
 Supporting the county’s agricultural and maritime industries;
 Supporting environmental regulations associated with the Chesapeake Bay;
 Promoting environmental education for energy efficiency, and clean air and water policies;
 Reducing the impacts of development, especially those near critical resource areas; and
 Retaining a rural landscape.

THOUGHTS/COMMENTS:

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VISION STATEMENT WORKSHEET FOR INFRASTRUCTURE TOPIC COMMITTEE

DRAFT INFRASTRUCTURE VISION STATEMENT
Queen Anne’s County infrastructure construction and enhancement programs are highly regarded across
the state for the planning fortitude and implementation measures taken to ensure safer roadways,
better quality of our tributaries and the Bay, access to safe drinking water, effective and efficient
treatment of wastewater, and noticeable cost savings associated with storm-water related mitigation.

The vision for the future of Queen Anne’s County is to maintain and enhance the county as a great place
to live through emphasis on infrastructure for the purpose of:
 Enhancing the function and scenic value of the existing transportation network;
 Appropriately locating new public facilities including stormwater, water and wastewater
facilities that are designed in a manner that protects our natural resources;
 Enhancing infrastructure systems in order to provide for diversity of opportunities for housing,
employment, small businesses and high tech enterprises, recreation, education, and lifestyles
for all ages and social status;
 Constructing infrastructure consistent with the planned residential and commercial growth
without impacting quality of life;
 Improving water quality through valued infrastructure improvements; and
 Creating safer mobility and accessibility for all modes of travel.

THOUGHTS/COMMENTS:






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VISION STATEMENT WORKSHEET FOR HISTORIC & CULTURAL PRESERVATION TOPIC COMMITTEE

DRAFT HISTORIC & CULTURAL PRESERVATION VISION STATEMENT
Historic and cultural features receive special attention and care in Queen Anne’s County as can be seen
through a commitment to preservation measures, increased tourism, and an increased public awareness
of historic and cultural resources and events throughout the County.

The vision of the future Queen Anne’s County as a great place to live and visit with emphasis on
maintaining and enhancing the county’s heritage through preservation of historic and cultural resources
for the purpose of:
 Providing residents and visiting tourists with a truly positive experience of the Eastern shore
region through the preservation and enhancement of the County’s historic and cultural features;
 Preserving the County’s small towns and rural identity albeit close proximity to metropolitan
areas;
 Preserving natural landscapes unique to Queen Anne’s County and associated with the
Chesapeake Bay area;
 Recognizing the county’s unique heritage and cultural resources and utilizing them as a basis for
future development decisions;
 Collaboratively working together to establish a process that ensures local and regional historic
and cultural preservation goals;
 Creating impressive image corridors, historic districts, arts and entertainment nodes to ensure a
quality of life achieved through maintaining historic and cultural resources for residents and
visitors alike;
 Maintaining heritage and cultural identity amidst the pressure of outside development; and
 Increasing awareness through county supported tourism, business and economic development
opportunities associated with historic and cultural resources.


THOUGHTS/COMMENTS:


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Vision Statement Worksheet



VISION STATEMENT WORKSHEET FOR AGRICULTURAL & RURAL PRESERVATION TOPIC COMMITTEE

DRAFT AGRICULTURAL & RURAL PRESERVATION VISION STATEMENT
The landscape of Queen Anne’s County viewed from roadsides, the shoreline, and from its farm fields can
be described as beautiful open spaces. A delicate balance of land use has created the desired level of
local and regional sustainability.

The vision of the future of Queen Anne’s County is to maintain and enhance the county as a good place
to work and a great place to live through agricultural and rural preservation for the purpose of:
 Gaining a larger market share on the Eastern coast for locally grown agricultural products;
 Retaining and protecting productive farmlands, historic farmsteads, coastal marsh and forested
lands, and pristine landscapes throughout the county;
 Creating a greater awareness of the County’s agrarian history through effective preservation
policies and tourism education; and
 Advancing specialty farming industries and markets.

THOUGHTS/COMMENTS:




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VISION STATEMENT WORKSHEET FOR BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TOPIC COMMITTEE

DRAFT BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VISION STATEMENT
Life in Queen Anne’s County offers a variety of opportunities for businesses expansion, business location,
new educational experiences, and holds intrinsic value to the Eastern Shore market place. High quality of
life standards demanded by residents and businesses have been met through the creation of sustainable
employment opportunities and achieved balance between residential and nonresidential land use
patterns.

The vision of the future of Queen Anne’s County is to maintain and enhance the county as a good place
to live and work through business and economic development opportunity and high quality education
opportunity for the purpose of:
 Creating and promoting a thriving economic climate strategically located on the Eastern coast;
 Capitalizing on the region’s close proximity and high accessibility to other metropolitan areas
and markets to retain and attract sustainable businesses and job opportunities;
 Attracting development and businesses that strive to become sustainable retail destination
places;
 Enhancing or assist in the creation of thriving local economies that pay special attention to the
tourism industry and the natural environment;
 Develop or enhance existing recreation opportunities for all ages;
 Reducing the number of resident commuters by recruiting companies that offer long-term
sustainable jobs;
 Providing housing alternatives in areas adjacent to the county’s core economic growth areas;
and
 Providing education and job retraining opportunities for resident workers.

THOUGHTS/COMMENTS:
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