In March 2026, Hinton's Town Council will be creating a strategic plan for the next four years. It's a roadmap, or game plan, that helps Council and Town staff focus on the most important priorities, instead of reacting to problems one by one.

Determining priorities helps the Town:
• Make better decisions
• Spend money wisely
• Stay accountable to residents
• Work toward long-term goals
• Coordinate Town departments so they’re pulling in the same direction.

Democracy in action

A strategic plan is part of the democratic process. In a democracy, residents share their ideas, and elected leaders use that information to guide their decisions. Not everything is possible, and not everyone will get exactly what they want. But Council was elected by the community, and their job is to focus on the priorities that most residents feel are important.

Residents Were Involved

A survey for Hinton residents was available February 6 to 28, 2026 and the results were used to create a two-page summary and ‘What We Heard’ report.

What Should Council Focus On?

Since the Town has limited money, time, and staff, Council must choose what to focus on. Identifying priorities that reflect the unique needs and aspirations of Hinton will help focus the Town's work from 2026 through 2029.

The strategic plan will answer these basic questions.
• Where are we now?
• Where do we want to go?
• What matters most?
• How will we get there and know we’re on track?

What Happens Next?

1. Council will use the results to help guide their strategic planning sessions in mid- to late March 2026. These sessions will result in a Strategic Plan for 2026-2029. Then, the Town will identify actions to pursue those priorities.
2. The 2026 - 2029 Strategic Plan will be publicly available.
3. From 2026 to 2029, the Strategic Plan will direct Council and Town actions.