Community leaders, representatives from the city and the Payson Economic Development Foundation gathered for focus groups last week to learn more about five key areas: manufacturing, technology, health, education, and retail and tourism.

The focus groups are an early step in a yearlong strategic planning process, called Focused Future II. Sponsored by APS, Focused Future II helps communities develop strategic action plans. Throughout the Focused Future process, representatives from across Payson will examine the community’s successes and challenges, analyzing issues and trends and exploring best practices.

When complete, the plan will outline how Payson will mature in the coming years. The plan is designed to serve as a guide for local decision-making while providing a roadmap for Payson’s economic future. It also will serve as a benchmark for monitoring the progress of the community’s efforts. Public discussions of the city’s development plan will be held in May and July.

"We expect Focused Future II to play an important role in Payson’s future," said Payson Mayor Ken Murphy. "The process provides a unique opportunity for citizens with diverse backgrounds to participate and determine our community’s direction."

Sponsored by APS, Focused Future II helps communities develop a cutting-edge plan for economic development. Communities make a critical assessment and examination of their successes and challenges while analyzing issues and trends. Participants also develop and define non-traditional economic and quality of life measures to monitor the success of the plan’s implementation.

"APS created Focused Future II to help communities chart and thrive in the future," said Cass Rankin, APS Community Relations and Economic Development consultant. "As the community succeeds, so do we. It’s a win-win."

April 4, 2003