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Strategic Plan — Roadmap to 2027
Introduction
The City of Aspen Strategic Plan expands on the adopted 2025–2027 council priority projects and goals and is grounded in foundational documents such as the biennial community survey, the legislative policy agenda, and other guiding frameworks. Supporting materials are included under each strategic objective.
This plan highlights key areas that will guide the organization's near-term direction. It is not intended to include every important city project and program but to serve as a roadmap for setting priorities and aligning resources. While some goals may extend beyond the two-year timeframe, the plan reflects the city’s core priorities and long-term aspirations.
The plan centers on six objectives — key areas of community importance the city seeks to positively influence.
- Four objectives focus on advancing council’s projects and goals.
- Two of the objectives seek to embed Council’s guiding principles into day-to-day work at the city.
Strategic Plan Overview with Supporting Documents
Strategic Objective 1. Critical Public Projects
The city will deliver high-impact capital projects that increase community vibrancy and accessibility for locals and visitors alike.
Supporting Materials
- Aspen Community Voice ↗ — Provides current project updates and public engagement opportunities.
Strategic Objective 2. Early Childhood Education
The city will champion high-quality early childhood education to support working families, nurture the next generation of Aspenites, and invest in the community's future.
Supporting Materials
- Kids First Annual Report & Provider Survey (PDF) — Summarizes 2024 investments and outcomes to sustain early childhood care in Pitkin County, incorporating provider input.
- Community Childcare Needs Assessment Report (PDF) — Assesses current and projected childcare supply and demand in Pitkin County and the Roaring Fork Valley.
Strategic Objective 3. Resource and Infrastructure Resilience
The city will enhance the resilience of its infrastructure and natural systems to address climate change, wildfire risk, and other hazards — ensuring long-term safety, sustainability, and regional preparedness.
Supporting Materials
- Integrated Water Resource Plan (PDF) — Outlines the city’s long-range strategy to ensure a safe, resilient, and reliable water supply.
- Drought Mitigation & Response Plan (PDF) — Defines staged drought monitoring and response actions, including water-use restrictions, communications, and enforcement.
Strategic Objective 4. Traffic Flow & Congestion
The city will reduce congestion and improve mobility through strategic investments in multimodal transportation, infrastructure, and regional partnerships.
Supporting Materials
- Aspen Gets Us There (PDF) — Recommends parking and transportation strategies to reduce congestion and vehicle miles traveled.
- Safety Action Plan (PDF) — Uses crash data and public input to prioritize street design improvements.
- Aspen Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (PDF) — Identifies priority gaps in Aspen’s walking and biking network.
Strategic Objective 5. Exceptional Experiences and Services
The city will deliver exceptional services and experiences by maintaining high-quality public spaces, simplifying regulatory processes, and fostering a welcoming engagement with city amenities.
Supporting Materials
- Customer Services Standards Framework (PDF) — Defines organization-wide service behaviors supporting a friendly and transparent public service experience.
Strategic Objective 6. Organizational Excellence
The city will advance internal high performance and innovation by investing in its people, culture, and operations.
Supporting Materials
- Cultural Roadmap (PDF) — Identifies culture initiatives that strengthen retention, morale, and effectiveness.
- 2026 Benefits Roadmap (PDF) — Outlines employee benefits, wellness, retirement, and leave offerings.
- Total Compensation Philosophy (PDF) — Defines the City’s approach to equitable pay, benefits, and talent retention.