Vision History
Polk Vision was formed in 2003 to bring residents together with government and community leaders to examine and address the issues we face in Polk County. A diverse 26-person Steering Committee hired Henry Luke, Luke Planning, Inc., to facilitate the visioning process and Colleen Burton as the organization’s Executive Director.
Phase I of Polk Vision began in January 2004 with a series of 16 focus groups followed by 5 community meetings in March. These meetings were held to gain insight into perceived Polk County strengths and weaknesses. At these meetings over 700 county residents identified issues important to their lives and their community.
Due to the geographic expanse of Polk County, five Task Forces were created to represent the region. These Task Forces, formed with over 390 community stakeholders, met in Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Bartow, Haines City and Lakeland to review the issues identified in the focus groups and community meetings. The result of their collaboration is a shared Vision of what Polk County citizens want their community to be in the next 5 to 20 years.
The Vision sets priorities with goals and strategies in six foundation areas (Education, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Government, Quality of Life, and Private Sector Leadership) that will enhance the quality of life in Polk County for years to come.
During the summer of 2004, the Vision was presented to the residents of Polk County for review and input. The members of the Polk Vision Steering Committee revised the draft Visio with input received from the community and adopted the final Vision on August 2, 2004.
The Polk Vision process has moved into Phase II, which includes the implementation of Strategies and development of Action Steps. Foundation Teams have been established in each of the six foundation areas. A Benchmark Team has also been established to measure the progress of all efforts.
Polk Vision continues to recruit Vision Partners to work with the Foundation and Benchmark teams. It will take the community, in partnership with public and private organizations, working together to make the Vision a reality.
