The City of St. Charles - Mission: Stewardship, Engagement, Collaboration

Stewardship
Maintain our existing physical and social character while building on our past successes to create a better future.

Engagement
Involve more people in the governing process to encourage a stronger sense of community, and gain input from different perspectives in order to make more informed decisions.

Collaboration
Work in partnership with individuals and organizations to provide solutions and effectively implement strategies for improvement.

In order to . . .

Maintain a high quality of life

Preserve our physical and social character

Instill a strong sense of community

Involve people in the governing process

Work together to create effective solutions

Provide for a safe and secure community

Shape the future from our heritage

Personal Accountability
•		Commit to self improvement.
•		Recognize that a team is only as strong as each individual.
•		Do what's right, even if it is unpopular.
•		Conduct all matters ethically and honestly.
•		Practice the attitudes and behaviors that we value.
Team Oriented
•		Value group diversity.
•		Expand on the ideas presented.
•		Look for merit in the ideas of others.
•		Seek to understand, then be understood.
•		Participate and encourage participation.
Outcome Driven
•		Make decisions based on fact.
•		Compare our outcomes to those of other organizations.
•		Encourage the use of best practices.
•		Align outcomes with strategic plan.
•		Consider the process an important factor to achieving outcomes.
Customer Focused
•		Treat customers with courtesy, respect and dignity at all times.
•		Take personal responsibility for exceeding customer expectations.
•		Seek a positive approach to problem solving.
Future Oriented
•		Recognize that today's public policy decision will determine tomorrow's community.
•		Recognize the value of proactive planning as an important community resource.
•		Identify trends, anticipate problems, and develop innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Our Future:
We will preserve our unique character as a dynamic, prosperous city, maintaining the small town charm, the natural beauty of the Fox Valley, and the quality schools, parks, and services that make St. Charles distinct. Our historic downtown is the heart of the community, and keeping it healthy and vibrant is essential. Building on our heritage, we will balance nature and development, ensuring St. Charles remains a safe and desirable place to live and work for generations to come. We aspire to be a community where all modes of transportation can provide safe and efficient access to our amenities. To create this future we will foster community participation while embracing the diversity that comes with change.

Our Vision Encompasses:
•		Preserving the unique character found in our historic downtown area and neighborhoods.
•		Plentiful parks and natural areas with the Fox River as a focus.
•		Balanced development that occurs at a moderate pace and harmonizes with our small town character.
•		A safer, more efficient transportation system that serves pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists alike.
•		An enhanced quality of life with an optimal balance of goods, services and activities available to residents.
•		A safe living and working environment.
•		Multiple opportunities for citizens to participate in shaping the community's future.
•		Recognizing and embracing diversity in our community.