City of Rehoboth Beach adopts its first strategic plan, setting priorities and goals for next 5 years
May 16, 2025
At its May 16 meeting, the Board of Commissioners adopted a five-year strategic plan for the City of Rehoboth Beach that establishes three priority areas and outlines strategies and action steps to be undertaken.
The 2025 Strategic Plan was developed by planning consultant Emergent Method following a stakeholder-driven engagement process undertaken last fall. Engagement strategies included community surveys, in-person and virtual listening sessions, and one-on-one interviews.
“This strategic plan sets the City of Rehoboth Beach on a shared journey and provides a roadmap that will guide decision-making over the next five years,” says City Manager Taylour Tedder. “With clearly delineated priorities and action steps, the strategic plan helps ensure that city staff, elected officials, and the community are all working together to arrive at our agreed-upon destination.”
Three primary areas of focus emerged through the strategic plan engagement process. Priortiy areas over the next five years will focus on:
- building and maintaining foundational and forward-looking infrastructure
- fostering excellence and coordination in all city operations
- continually improving access and amenities throughout the city.
The plan outlines more than two dozen strategies in the three priority areas, and an accompanying implementation plan identifies action steps, lead departments, success metrics, and completion timeframes for each of the strategies.
Some of the strategies identified include:
- seeking to relocate overhead utilities underground whenever feasible
- developing policies that prioritize long-term climate resilience and sustainability
- integrating streetscape initiatives into the city’s annual Capital Improvement Plan
- strengthening coordination and partnerships among public and private sector organizations as well as Sussex County, the state, and nearby municipal jurisdictions
- developing and implementing a comprehensive emergency response plan
- continuing to support inclusivity in city policies, events, and other activities
- incentivizing voluntary use of accessibility best practices by local businesses and organizations
- exploring development of a Tourism Management Plan
- fostering a more business-friendly environment.
A report on strategic plan goals will be presented to the Board of Commissioners quarterly as a way to mark progress and ensure accountability to the community.
City of Rehoboth Beach mission statement: To promote a high quality of life and maintain a welcoming community for all through effective and responsive governance, exceptional service, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
City of Rehoboth Beach vision statement: To be a leading coastal community with unique character where residents, businesses, and visitors thrive in a safe and accessible environment that is protected for generations to come.
