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MISSION: WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE? <br />An organization's mission is its reason for its' existence. It speaks to the questions: Why does this <br />organization exist? Whom does it serve? By what means does it serve them? <br />The mission statement is the written expression of the basic goals, characteristics, values, and <br />philosophy that shape the organization and give it purpose. It seeks to distinguish the organization from <br />others by articulating its scope of activities, its products /services and market, and the significant <br />technologies and approaches it uses to meet its goals. <br />Mission as Tool <br />Not long ago, it was common for mission statements to gather dust on the shelf. They were largely <br />symbolic documents and seldom referred to. More and more, however, organizations have realized the <br />importance of making the mission statement a "living statement." When formulated and used <br />strategically, a mission statement is a powerful tool which communicates the organization's fundamental <br />verities to internal and external stakeholders. Used in this way, the mission statement becomes a driving <br />force of the organization and a yardstick for measuring its accomplishments. <br />The City of Lino Lakes Draft Mission Statements <br />The Council reviewed several Mission Statements of various cities within MN as well as around the <br />Country. The Council then had a discussion of what the Mission of Lino Lakes is and where the City is <br />heading. After the discussion, the Council developed several draft Mission Statements. These draft <br />Mission Statements follow. <br />Preserve a quality of life by providing leadership, making good decisions about how we are going <br />to grow and maintain. <br />• Preserving natural beauty while meeting our citizens' needs, balancing citizens needs, fiscal <br />responsibility, development (negative image), location, responsible and restrained. <br />• Serving our citizens needs by balancing responsible growth and preservation of our amenities <br />with effective use of resources. <br />Staff and Council Draft Mission Statements <br />Preserving and enhancing our quality of life through effective leadership and balancing the needs <br />of our citizens with the responsible use of resources. <br />Action: During a future Work Study Session, review and finalize the Mission Statement. <br />8 <br />• <br />• <br />• <br />