Business
Town Goal: "We value Arlington's diverse and accessible mix of merchants and service providers. We will be known for our vibrant, attractive commercial centers supporting the primarily residential and historic character of the Town."
- Exploring community-based self-insurance programs
Communication
Town Goal: "We value public dialogue. Communication and information-sharing build trust. Our goals are true openness and accountability. Arlington will be known as a community that thoughtfully searches beyond divisive issues for the opportunities that bind us together."
- Fostering technological links to facilitate the relationship between the Town and townspeople
Community and Citizen service
Town Goal: "We value Arlington's geographic neighborhoods, common interest groups, and the sense of community in our Town. We value an active and compassionate citizenry delivering services in our community. We will be known for the vitality of our neighborhoods and as a community of people helping others."
- Examining the feasibility of respite care for elders and their caregivers
- Researching the possible impact of the Year 2000 (Y2K) problems affecting the community
Culture and Recreation
Town Goal: "We value the many opportunities to meet, play, and grow in Arlington while treasuring and preserving our unique historical resources. Our social, cultural, artistic, historic, athletic, recreational, and other community groups strengthen Town life. We will be known for the breadth and richness of our resources and activities available to Arlington citizens."
- Produced a new Map of Arlington featuring its Parks and Recreation Sites and Historic Landmarks-available for $2 at Town Offices, the Jason Russell House and the Jefferson Cutter House
Diversity
Town Goal: "We value the diversity of our population. Our Town's mix of ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, as well as economic and personal circumstances, enriches us. We will be known for the warm welcome and respect we extend to all."
- Addressing diversity issues in the schools, especially the need for minority hiring
Education
Town Goal: "We value learning for all Arlington citizens. We are responsible as a community for educating our youth and providing all ages with opportunities for educational growth. We will be known for demonstrated excellence in public education and our commitment to life-long learning."
- Facilitating direct communication between parents and representatives of the public school teachers' union
Environment
Town Goal: "We value the physical beauty and natural habitats of our Town-parks, ponds and wetlands, dramatic vistas and tree-lined streets-as they contribute to the well-being of our community. Recognizing the fragility of our natural resources, we must ensure that Arlington's residential areas, commercial centers, and infrastructure are developed in harmony with environmental concerns.
We will be known for our commitment to the preservation of Arlington's beauty, limited open space and resources, as well as our place in the regional and global community."
Proposed Goals for Spy Pond (Water Quality and Control, Public Use and Access, Flora and Fauna, and Public Awareness) which were adopted by the 1998 Annual Town Meeting
- Documenting the pollution sources that are causing excessive algae and weed growth in Spy Pond
- Developing and publicizing a strategy for achieving the Goals for Spy Pond
- Applying knowledge gleaned from research on Spy Pond to the Town's other water bodies
Fiscal Resources
Town Goal: "We value Arlington's efficient delivery of public services providing for the common good. The benefits from these services and the responsibility of taxation will be equitably distributed among us. We will be known for our sound fiscal planning and for the thoughtful, open process by which realistic choices are made in our Town."
- Researching whether Arlington's financial structure works as well as it could
- Exploring how best to measure what our tax dollars buy in Arlington
Governance
Town Goal: "We value our representative Town Meeting system and the community spirit it fosters. Participatory governance is both responsive and innovative. We will be known as a community where government provides effective and efficient services, insures open two-way communication, promotes the lively exchange of ideas, and encourages active citizen participation."
- Developing a fact sheet on all Arlington governmental boards and committees
- Revising the pamphlet Settling In, An Introductory Guide to Arlington
- Creating a publication, How To Become Involved... and Keep Informed..., a fact sheet on community service in Arlington
- Presenting an introduction to the Annual Town Meeting for all new Town Meeting Members
Students
Encouraging students at Arlington High School to participate in the Vision 2020 process