Building on years of steady progress and investment, the Eufaula City Council will hold its first strategic visioning retreat since 2019 on Friday, Aug. 22, starting at 10 a.m.

This all-day public meeting will give the City’s elected leaders a chance to look beyond day-to-day issues and set a course for the next stage of growth, opportunity, and quality of life in Eufaula.

As the body elected to represent the people, the City Council serves as the voice of the community, shaped by ongoing input from residents, business owners, and community stakeholders who help guide the City’s direction, in setting the policies and priorities that shape Eufaula’s future.

In the council–manager form of government, the Mayor and City Council set the vision, while the City Manager and staff ensure daily operations are aligned with those goals. The retreat provides an important opportunity for elected officials and City leadership to work hand-in-glove, ensuring that the City’s operational direction stays firmly connected to the will of the residents they serve.

“This retreat is where we take the time to think big, think about where we’ve been, where we’re going, and how to keep Eufaula moving forward,” said Mayor James Hickman. “It’s a chance to make sure that the vision we set reflects the values and priorities of the people who elected us and who are proud to call Eufaula home.”

The last strategic retreat in 2019 led to the Council identifying reliable infrastructure as a top priority. That bold vision resulted in more than $10 million in water and wastewater improvements over the past six years.

This priority was informed by feedback from residents and reflects shared concerns that helped shape subsequent investments. Progress of that magnitude, noted City Manager Jacob R. Foos, shows the lasting value of setting clear, forward- looking priorities.

“This is about momentum,” said Foos, “Eufaula has seen major achievements in recent years, and this retreat is our opportunity to envision the next big steps that will keep our community strong, vibrant, and welcoming.”

Why This Matters

This retreat is more than a meeting, it is an investment in Eufaula’s future, says Foos. The vision established here will help shape:

• A thriving local economy by fostering conditions for business growth and attracting new investment.

• Safe and reliable infrastructure that meets today’s needs and supports tomorrow’s growth.

• A strong community identity through quality-of-life amenities, events, and spaces that bring people together.

• Smart, sustainable growth that preserves Eufaula’s charm while planning for future generations.

• Responsive local government that remains transparent, accountable, and in touch with community priorities.

These goals reflect conversations with the community and will continue to be refined through active public engagement.

While the retreat is open to the public, it will be a working session for the Council and City leadership and will not include public comment.

The City encourages all residents, business owners, and community leaders to participate in the City’s upcoming comprehensive planning process through surveys, forums, and workshops. Your voice is essential to guiding decisions on land use, housing, transportation, parks, and economic development.

The City will also continue hosting openhouse style events, like last week’s gathering, that bring people together to discuss the most pressing community issues in a straightforward and transparent manner.