FAIRFIELD — City Council members are launching a strategic planning process that will rely heavily on citizens to help create a vision for the city's future.

        Citizens will be able to share what they'd like to see Fairfield in the next decade and beyond through small group sessions and community meetings.

        Consultants jv associates, a Fairfield strategic planning and public relations firm, has been hired to facilitate the planning process. City council has committed about $50,000 for this project, which is expected to be completed in about a year, said Councilman Jeffrey Holtegel.

        The consultants will discuss their plans at today's 7 p.m. City Council meeting, 5350 Pleasant Ave.

        “I think in any strategic plan, you have to include all levels of the players,” Mr. Holtegel said. “And certainly the citizens are very much a part of that. Even though we have been elected to represent those people, hearing from them directly is probably going to shape the future.”

        Councilman Sterling Uhler said the city last had a strategic planning process, which involved citizens and staff members, in the early 1990s when he was mayor.

        “Most of us on council felt pretty strong it was time to redo that,” he said.

        Mr. Uhler said he would like to see the city enhance its transportation network and cultural outlets, including performing arts, music, drama and painting.

        To get involved, citizens can call the city manager's office at 867-5350.

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