Connecting with Community Planning
I found this assignment a bit difficult as our City does not have a Strategic Plan. There is an Official Plan but it concentrates on Planning in the official sense - not the general sense. The library is mentioned only in the area of the new development of Seaton which is slated to have two libraries eventually.

Other than the Official Plan the City of Pickering has 5 Corporate priorities. They are Community Engagement, Corporate Best Practices, Human Resource Development, Financial Management, and Sustainable Placemaking. I think that these Corporate Priorities provide the best opportunities for the Library to engage effectively with our Municipal Partners. If the Library can be seen to participate and assist the municipality in achieving some of these priorities it will go a long way to positioning the Library as a good partner and community leader. The three priorities I think the Library should focuse on are:
1. Community Engagement: our CEO has been working with City staff on this project. As the project moves forward the Library can contribute time, participation and expertise to this priority. It will also benefit the library in general to move towards being a more engaged community partner.
2. Financial Management: Our financial processes and procedures are closely linked to the City's and the Library always works hard to meet City financial targets and procedures. As the City makes more changes and improves its practices, it will be important for the Library to continue to work closely with the Financial Services staff and the Treasurer to ensure that we follow the same processes and procedures.
3. Sustainable Placemaking: Sustainability is an important concept in Pickering and the Library must be seen to participate and lead when possible in this area. A close relationship with the Planning group and the Building and maintenance group will assist us with identifying opportunities and taking advantage of available grants and other options.