The Valdosta Mayor and City Council held their annual retreat in Moultrie, Ga., on Jan. 9-10.  The annual retreat allows for the city’s top officials to spend an uninterrupted length of time discussing important issues and setting a number of goals for the new fiscal year, which will begin July 1, 2015.  After two days of discussions about the city’s top priorities, city officials set the following 12 goals for Fiscal Year 2016:

1. Continue to pursue flood relief and USACE to lead the effort for both studying the regional watershed and funding projects to resolve the flooding.
2. Continue to carry out wastewater related projects with a goal of completing projects within designated timelines.
3. Hold meetings with the County and the School Board to discuss common issues and concerns.
4. Reactivate the Municipal Auditorium Steering Committee to discuss project, funding, sale of Mathis, needs of the SGMC, etc.
5. Study the Tree and Landscape Ordinance and Nuisance Ordinance (yard, bushes, etc.) to include a review of fees and penalties.
6. Contract for business development and advocacy support person to enhance economic development.
7. Work to utilize CDBG funds for the development of the comprehensive plan and creation of a strategic plan to address issues such as job training, housing, economic development and employment.
8. Make an effort the implement the compensation plan based on financial resources.
9. Coordinate meetings with property owners in the Perimeter Road area to pursue master planning of infrastructure and future development. 
10. Hold a meeting with the Housing Authority with a goal to visit the Fellwood Savannah development to gain public and private support for mixed use housing development. 
11. Review revenue sources and expenses in order for the City to continue to operate in a fiscally responsible manner.
12. Collaborate with community and regional leaders to continue advocacy efforts on behalf of Moody Air Force Base in support of its value to national defense and our community and seek opportunities for base growth and expansion in preparation for future Base Realignment and Closure Commissions (BRAC).