Foley, Ala. - (OBA) - Foley city planners are working to develop a strategic plan to prepare the city for the future. The Foley City Council voted to hire Berry Dunn, a company based in Portland, Maine, to help develop the plan. Wayne Dyess, executive director of infrastructure and development, stated that the project will help officials make plans on issues such as finances as the city develops.

Dyess clarified that the plan is not a land use plan, but rather a business strategic plan on priorities, goals, and where the city is headed in the future. The city will schedule public meetings and other discussions with small groups and Foley officials to go over the plan.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said that the city has developed comprehensive plans in the past. The new plan will also show banks and bond companies how Foley is making financial preparations for the future. Dyess said the city will also use the plan in preparing future budgets.

The plan process will begin with Berry Dunn conducting research and developing a work plan and schedule for the project. As work continues, meetings will be scheduled, and a draft plan prepared using information gathered in the process before a final plan is developed.