The Dalles Community Vision Action Plan
Every 10 years, the Vision Action Plan is updated to reflect current community views and opportunities for the future using input from residents, local businesses, and community organizations. In fall 2021, The Dalles embarked on a community-wide visioning process with the goal of creating a shared vision for The Dalles 2040 and an actionable roadmap to achieve that future. Through the visioning effort, five community focus areas were selected along with supporting priorities and projects described in the Vision Action Plan 2040.
Watershed Opportunities
Modern, State-of-the-Art School Facilities |
Attainable, Affordable Housing Options |
Strategies related to this opportunity include: | Strategies related to this opportunity include: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Community Focus Areas and Priorities
The five focus areas and supporting priorities are highlighted below with further information provided in the Vision Action Plan 2040.
Enhancing Education
Community priorities related to this focus area include:
- Invest in local school facilities, including outdoor learning spaces and safe ways to bike and walk to school.
- Support internship programs that provide mentorship and hands-on learning with local, small businesses and the technology sector.
Creating Economic Vitality
Community priorities related to this focus area include:
- Look for funding strategies to make mixed-use development and rehabilitation of downtown historic building spaces more economical.
- Raise awareness and add resources to help service workers and small businesses succeed.
Providing Recreation and Open Space
Community priorities related to this focus area include:
- Invest in shady, well-maintained parks that provide equitable recreation access, including considering a new park on the west side.
- Invest in safe, well-maintained trails and paths to connect the community, including the Riverfront Trail and bike paths downtown.
Strengthening and Sustaining Community Life
Community priorities related to this focus area include:
- Recruit volunteers to promote family-friendly community events such as art walks, farmers markets, movie nights, and concerts in the park.
- Plan and promote cultural events that celebrate the community’s rich heritage and diversity.
- Obtain funding to help preserve and tell the story of historic buildings.
Improving Government and Infrastructure
Community priorities related to this focus area include:
- Continue working on long-range strategies to attract and retain businesses and diverse retail.
- Successfully deliver partnership projects such as the new hospital campus and youth athletic complex.
Community Engagement Summary
Community Survey: Vision Ideas
Initial outreach included an online community survey in English and Spanish to gather ideas for the future of The Dalles. In November and December 2021, 444 participants shared their input.
Community Town Hall and Survey: Vision Priorities
The next phase of outreach included an online community town hall followed by a second online community survey in English and Spanish. In March 2022, 138 town hall attendees provided input through live polling and facilitated breakout group discussions. Then in April 2022, 601 survey participants shared their input on the most important focus areas and top priorities for the community.
Partner Work Session: Vision Actions
After collecting input from community members, The City of The Dalles hosted a partner organization work session in September 2022 to discuss projects and initiatives to help achieve community priorities.
Resources
- Vision Action Plan 2040
- February 2022 Council Presentation
- March 2022 Community Town Hall
- July 2022 Council Presentation
- November 2022 Council Presentation