Think Tank: Claremore 2025

In January 2017  at the State of the City, Jim Thomas, City Manager announced near completion of the priorities and goals set forth as a part of the City's strategic plan through 2020. He also shared the City would begin a new visioning process called Claremore Dreams 2025.

The visioning process to develop Claremore Dreams 2025 is set to take place over nine months with eleven milestones, announcing the results of the data captured at the January 2018 State of the City.  August marks the fourth month of the process, with six of the eleven milestones met. The process began with hosting multiple focus groups with City Department Heads, City Council, RSU Administration, Executive Roundtables and a Civic Partner Luncheon. 

Priorities within Claremore 2020 were: 

• City Planning - fulfilled by the hiring of current City Planner, Jill Ferenc
• Water - fulfilled by the new water treatment plant doubling capacity 
• Transportation - fulfilled by development of Legacy Transportation Plan, including quiet zones and Highway 20 adjustments
• Tourism - met through quality of life enhancements including West Bend Block Parties, Splash Pads, and the Claremore Mountain Bike Trails
• Partnerships - strengthened with Cherokee Nation, Claremore Expo, CIEDA, ODOT, Rogers County, RSU

Goals within Claremore 2020 were: 

• Establish a Credible City Planning Team
• Develop and Execute a Water Plan
• Develop and Execute a Transportation Plan - 
• Implement an Aggressive Retail/Commercial Development Strategy
  • Fulfilled through La Quinta Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Claremore Conference Center, Hampton Inn, St. John's Urgent Care Clinic, Planet Fitness, Pet Sense, Main Street Tavern, Chick-Fil-A, Baker Hughes Expansion with dedicated sub-station, and AXH air-coolers expansion 

The City is asking for citizens to help develop, find ownership and champion the vision behind Claremore Dreams 2025. They are seeking input by traveling into each of the four wards, hosting town halls. These sessions will be a time for the city to listen to input that will help drive the strategic plan for the next eight years. They are open to the public, even if you do not reside within that particular ward. All are encouraged to attend, as well as invite others. 

The upcoming town halls are open to the public, even if you do not reside within the ward. RSVP links can be found below.

• August 22 - First United Methodist Church - RSVP Link
• September 14 - Senior Citizens Center - RSVP Link
• October 19 - Claremore Conference Center - RSVP Link
• November 16 - Catalayah Elementary School - RSVP Link

A copy of the presentation slides from the Think Tank session can be viewed here.

Updates from Claremore Dreams 2025 can be subscribed to here.