Every great community has two stories—one about its past, and one about where it’s going. Lake Geneva’s past is rich with beauty, history, and tradition. But the story of where we’re going is still being written, and every resident, business owner, and visitor has a part to play.

In Q1 2026, the city will develop a Strategic Plan—a practical, forward-looking guide to help us set priorities, make smart investments, and keep Lake Geneva strong and vibrant. Think of it as a roadmap that helps us decide not only where we want to go, but how we’re going to get there.

To spark broad thinking, here are Six Strategic Pillars that serve as conceptual lenses used for framing, sorting, and categorizing issues. The Strategic Plan will specify action and outcome priorities — what we want to achieve over the next five to ten years that will require execution, capital, risk, and scheduling.

A CLEAR VISION FOR LAKE GENEVA

STRATEGIC PLAN - PROSPECTUS

SIX STRATEGIC PILLARS

A COMMUNITY THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE

Community Life & Engagement

  • Residents and Neighborhoods First

  • Listening to Residents

  • Transparency and Trust

A STRONG, YEAR-ROUND ECONOMY

Smart Growth & Diversification

  • Supporting Local Business

  • Smart Development, Not Overdevelopment

  • Jobs, Investment, and Opportunity

SMART TOURISM & A VIBRANT DOWNTOWN

Tourism & Visitor Experience

  • Balancing Residents and Visitors

  • Downtown Business Vitality

  • Events, Access, and Quality of Life

RELIABLE INFRASTRUCTURE & PUBLIC SAFETY

Infrastructure, Mobility & Facilities

  • Roads, Utilities, and Facilities

  • Police, Fire, and Emergency Readiness

  • Planning Ahead, Not Falling Behind

RESPONSIBLE FINANCES & LOWER RISK

Fiscal Health & Sustainability

  • Budget Discipline

  • Long-Term Planning

  • Protecting Taxpayers

A CITY THAT RUNS WELL

Operational Excellence & Efficiency

  • Professional Management

  • Clear Policies, Consistent Decisions

  • Respect for Staff and Taxpayers

joelhoilandformayor@gmail.com