City Council Goals

2026 City Council Goals - Adopted February 18, 2026

The Waterville City Council has set five shared priorities for 2026. These goals focus on strengthening our economic outlook, improving quality of life, supporting families, and ensuring local government works effectively for everyone.

1. Strengthen Housing Stability & Expand Homeownership

• Increase stable housing options—especially single‑family homes—while preventing housing loss and its associated fiscal and community impacts. Council emphasized that preventing housing loss reduces crisis-driven municipal costs and that the City should better communicate its housing progress.

Key steps include:

• Work with developers and property owners to bring new units online
• Address blighted and unsafe buildings
• Explore infrastructure expansions to unlock new opportunities
• Advance the Housing Study and evaluate re-establishing the Housing Committee
• Develop funding pathways and protocols that address emergency housing needs
• Improve public communication on housing progress and resources

2. Grow the Tax Base Through Strategic Development

• Encourage redevelopment, enhance economic vitality, and make Waterville attractive for families and employers.

Key steps include:

• Modernize zoning where it limits redevelopment
• Coordinate infrastructure planning with economic development needs
• Purposefully align with the Downtown and Comprehensive Plans
• Strengthen engagement with developers
• Support family attraction and retention through school and community partnerships

3. Diversify Funding in a Sustainable, Capacity‑Aware Way

•  Pursue new revenue sources and partnerships that match staff capacity and long‑term sustainability.

Key steps include:

• Evaluate staffing needs carefully. Adding capacity only where sustainable.
• Implement a grant‑vetting process aligned with priorities
• Explore selective property acquisition and resale
• Leveraging partnerships with regional organizations, nonprofits, schools, and neighboring towns

4. Improve Customer Service & Communication

• Make local government more effective, accessible, and aligned through clear processes, improved communication, and consistent follow‑through.

Key steps include:

• Hold regular workshops for deeper public discussion on priority issues
• Improve onboarding and training for councilors
• Strengthen communication with residents, using input on preferred channels
• Align budget decisions and policy work with Council goals

5. Enhance Quality of Life Through Mobility, Health & Community Support

•  Improve daily life in Waterville through safer mobility, support for families, and exploration of public health structures.

Key steps include:

• Improve pedestrian and bike mobility
• Explore citywide mobility, parking, and transit solutions
• Advance the Downtown Vision Plan’s mobility principles
• Support families and schools through stronger collaboration
• Examine options for improving local public health coordination

Working Together for Waterville’s Future

These goals reflect the Council’s shared commitment to stability, growth, and community well-being. Thank you to all residents, neighbors, and partners who help make Waterville a welcoming and vibrant place to live.

City Council Adopted Goals 2026 (PDF)