Hernando County Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan Overview

Strategic Theme: A - Economic & Workforce Opportunity

• Goal A.1 Site-ready locations for companies to grow and expand
• Goal A.2 Recurring funding source(s) for economic development infrastructure
• Goal A.3 "Learn here, work here" training and professional development incubator
• Goal A.4 Strategic partnerships and responsive workforce development initiatives for emerging and targeted industries
• Goal A.5 Attract and grow targeted industries

Strategic Theme: B - Commitment to Public Safety

• Goal B.1 Public Safety operational readiness
• Goal B.2 Excellent, responsive Emergency Management

Strategic Theme: C - Stewardship of Natural Resources

• Goal C.1 Protect water quality
• Goal C.2 Utilize areas of conservation lands, forestry, and waterways for passive recreational opportunities

Strategic Theme: D - Quality of Life

• Goal D.1 Well-maintained existing community assets
• Goal D.2 Planning for park operations & development
• Goal D.3 Clear, timely, and informative public communication
• Goal D.4 Operational continuity and innovation through employee engagement

Strategic Plan Objective Progress (6-month)

The dotted line represents the expected progress benchmark of 10%, reflecting that we are 6 months into 5 years of the strategic plan.

Strategic Theme: A - Economic & Workforce Opportunity

	A.1.1 Invest in the infrastructure needed for targeted industry recruitment and expansion
	A.2.1 Explore and assess viable options for establishing a recurring funding mechanism by mid-2026, with consideration given to long-term sustainability and stakeholder input.
	A.2.2 Based on the findings from A.2.1, begin implementing the most feasible path toward creating a recurring funding mechanism.
	A.3.1 Collaborate with partners to plan and, if feasible, launch a incubator designed to support working professionals and foster local business growth.
	A.4.1 Partner with industry stakeholders to support efforts that build workforce skills and improve training opportunities aligned with the needs of targeted sectors.
	A.5.1 Develop and offer targeted incentive programs, as resources allow, to encourage the relocation or expansion of high-priority industries within the region.

Strategic Theme: B - Commitment to Public Safety

	B.1.1 Invest in public safety facilities
	B.1.2 Seek opportunities to expand recruitment and training capabilities for public safety personnel, aiming to improve retention and readiness.
	B.2.1 Strengthen coordination between departments and public safety agencies through joint training exercises and the development of shared protocols by the end of 2026.
	B.2.2 Support the adoption of technologies that enhance real-time communication and disaster recovery monitoring, with phased implementation.

Strategic Theme: C - Stewardship of Natural Resources

	C.1.1 Establish and promote policies or projects aimed at promoting the health and longevity of water resources, with measurable progress reviewed annually and aligned with state and federal guidance.
	C.2.1 Identify and prioritize passive recreational enhancement opportunities aligned with the County’s Parks Master Plan, Comprehensive Plan, and the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Management Plan by mid-2026.

Strategic Theme: D - Quality of Life

	D.1.1 Pursue diverse funding opportunities to support the maintenance and improvement of community assets (parks and roadway maintenance), with a goal of identifying and applying for key sources.
	D.2.2 Develop a forward-looking plan for expanding recreational opportunities in growing areas of the community, informed by demographic trends and community input.
	D.3.1 Provide the public regular updates on County Projects & Priorities
	D.4.1 Create a learning environment for growth and development

About the Hernando County Strategic Plan

Hernando County is proud to announce the completion and implementation of its new Strategic Plan, officially launched in November 2025. This plan represents a shared vision for the future of our community and provides a clear roadmap to guide the County’s growth, priorities, and decision-making in the years ahead.

This milestone marks the culmination of a yearlong, three-phase planning process that brought together residents, businesses, community partners, and County leadership. Through surveys, public meetings, workshops, and ongoing engagement opportunities, the community played a central role in shaping the vision, goals, and priorities reflected in the final plan.

The County extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed their time, insights, and perspectives. Your input was essential in ensuring the Strategic Plan reflects the values, needs, and aspirations of Hernando County.

The finalized Strategic Plan was presented to the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners in October 2025 and formally implemented the following month. Now that the plan is in place, the County is focused on implementation, accountability, and transparency. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged, and to check this webpage to review the Strategic Plan, and follow progress updates as initiatives move forward.