McKenzie County ND

Strategic Planning Document—McKenzie County

Vision Statement

McKenzie County is a “community-of-communities.” We are a bold and benevolent people willing to endure hardship and confront poverty by being progressive and forward-thinking. Looking to establish a flourishing future for our human habitat, we envision a time when poverty is only a transitory experience and all residents of our county-wide community enjoy a quality of life that includes meaningful and productive work; restful and restorative leisure; quality leadership; the fellowship of family and neighbor; and all know the joy of our natural resources. Therefore, 2012 will find our county with a diversified economy and plentiful jobs; sufficient healthcare, housing, and human services to satisfy the needs of our residents so they may enjoy the aforementioned quality of life; all generations actively interacting with one another—neither age nor economics are barriers to participation in community leadership; and everyone—young and old, rich and poor—take responsibility for our community’s appearance, success, and attractiveness.

Goal 1: To Establish A Diversified Economy and Plentiful Jobs

Strategies	Who will do it?	By when?	How will you know it is done?
Career development tracks should be outlined and posted at every job location. For example, an EMT Basic and Intermediate who is a city employee, recently became a paramedic for our ambulance service. North Dakota should hire a developer who could delineate a career development handbook for all sectors of our rural economy.	North Dakota Job Development Authority, Economic Development and schools with vocational education program and cooperative education program	2009	People will begin to stay in their jobs longer as they become involved in further education while they work. Success will be measured by happier employers who support the continuous education and improvement of skills approach.
Technology, skilled labor, manufacturing, new businesses and tourism will help us become a more diversified economy and less dependent on agriculture and oil.	McKenzie County Job Development Authority, Economic Development, McKenzie County Commission, Williston State College	2012	These things will be in place and ongoing.
Computer database will match people with talents and skills to people with specific needs. May expand the data into a digital yellow pages.	Microsoft system will do this—Mark Richter	2008	When database is developed and accessible at Long X Visitors Center, Watford City Hall, McKenzie County Courthouse, McKenzie County Social Services, McKenzie County Library
Use e-bay to advertise Old West Experience—including clay for pottery, local wild natural food products, buffalo meat and by products	Ann Mrachek at Alexander City Hall, McKenzie County Job Development Authority and mayor of Alexander	2010	When they start advertising

Goal 2: To Establish Intergenerational Participation Throughout Our Communities, Businesses, Organizations and Activities.

Strategies	Who will do it?	By when?	How will you know it is done?
Invite and entice young adults and teens to take on leadership roles.	Every organization, civic, government	immediately	Youth and young adults will be on boards, councils and committees in the county, with the power to vote as well as lead.
Youth and elders will meet informally to discuss strategies for leadership	As above	As above	As above
Offer 24/7 daycare options, like subsidized daycare, job networks and lease transportation services	Employers, contract daycare agencies, state job network	2008	Signed contracts from daycare, job network and transportation service
Ask youth groups to become involved with Adopt-A-Grandparent	Horizons Steering Committee	2008	Good Shepherd Nursing Home social worker will let committee know when grandparents are paired up—Senior Citizen club leaders will work with committee to notify us of members paired with youth
Teach life skills education	Certified Teachers, social workers	2009	When classes are up and running, and simple conversations speak often of life skills.
Provide training for in-home child care and surrogate grand- parenting	McKenzie County Social Services	2009	When training is completed and care is in place as needed

Goal 3: To Establish Sufficient Services for Health, Housing, Transportation and Job Opportunities

Strategies	Who will do it?	By when?	How will you know it is done?
Good police intervention is followed up with quality services to curtail the drug problem.	Watford City police department, McKenzie County Sherriff’s Office, Northwest Narcotics Task Force, Northwest Human Service Center, McKenzie County Public Health Nurse	2009	When youth and adults are no longer arrested for drug violations. Community Coalition will consider the problem solved.
Expand existing elderly transportation services	Williston Council on the Aging—Carol Maurer	2008	When extended services are available and advertised.
Encourage residents to use local health care system.	Everyone—word of mouth	Now-ongoing	Everyone will hear about it!
Recruit and train rural home owners to provide safe local housing in times of family crisis so children can remain in their school systems.	Sylvia Leiseth, Della Braaten, Lisa Madarassy, Karla Quale	2008	When list is compiled for law enforcement and McKenzie County Social Services
Increase the availability of long distance transportation services by coordinating seat availability with other agencies. For example, a non-veteran could ride a veteran bus.	Social services, Northwest Human Services—Aging Services Transportation Director	2008	When local long distance transportation problems are improved.
Guaranteed anonymous counseling service for local teens to access locally	Watford City Students Against Destructive Decisions Group	2008	When poverty and suicide rates drop

Goal 4: To Establish Quality Intergenerational Leadership Opportunities to Enhance the Quality of Life in Our Community

Strategies	Who will do it?	By when?	How will you know it is done?
Advocate to boards, councils and committees to amend bylaws to include voting representation of youth and elderly	Horizons Steering Committee	2010	When we request bylaws to see the changes we request
Beautify communities through contact with local park boards	Park boards, county commission and city planners	ongoing	It’s never done and an ongoing process
Advocate to county commission and city councils to upgrade infrastructure in communities beyond main street	City and county engineer and county commission	2011	It will surface as agenda topics, grant writing will begin. Bid process will follow
Instigate housing for locals and visitors to look good and be adequate.	Local housing authority and motel taxation authorities	2011	We will visually see changes
Encourage Economic Development Corporation and McKenzie County Job Development Authority to include a goal of reducing poverty in the area in their statement.	EDC and JDA	2009	When bylaws are revised.
Draft a needs assessment to help provide housing for seniors and handicapped individuals. This is to include small communities in the county.	Local Housing Authority	2010	When assessment is completed.