450th mission and action plan ready

City Manager John Regan announced to Historic City News that he will outline a proposed “mission statement” and concise “action plan” to implement the 450th Commemoration before the St. Augustine City Commission workshop on Monday.

The programming events will focus on the “E”s, Regan suggests: “exciting, entertaining, emotional, education, and enduring.”

Among the goals: awareness of the city’s importance in history, town improvements “to create lasting change for the social good,” elevation of the city’s status “as a culturally diverse, interesting, and dynamic historic city,” and “leave bureaucracy at the door” to run the program “as a quickly evolving business.”

Since retaking the lead from First America Foundation, Inc., Regan wants to be sure that City residents understand that staff’s efforts are not being taken at the expense of the day-to-day operation of the City.

“The 450th cannot detract from our core business of local government,” Regan writes at the top of his six-page outline. “The City needs to foster a belief in the importance of marking this event and how it can help our City and residents.”

“Buy-in” from residents was something else that was lacking under First America’s watch.

Short-term program administration will be provided by an internal task force of city management; with fund raising, public relations, and event management to be contracted out.

Partnership agreements for programs and projects include key partners in the Visitors and Convention Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, and Tourist Development Council.

Internal review policies include Request for Event forms to be channeled through the necessary City departments.

With the selection and approval of the new 450th logo behind him, Regan now wants to take off on an all-out branding campaign. “We need to engage an expert without Madison Avenue pricing.”

If you are planning to attend — the St. Augustine City Commission workshop meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m. Monday and will be held in the Alcazar Room; on the first floor of City Hall, located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer