Meeting Summary
The Stillwater City Council held a special meeting to discuss the potential creation of a 'futurist' position or department within the city government. The discussion focused on identifying operational and reputational drivers for Stillwater's future, the 'why' behind considering such a role, and potential models for implementation, ranging from a single staff member to a collaborative institute. The council explored the benefits of proactive, long-term strategic thinking versus reactive problem-solving.
Financial Matters
Futurist Position Salary
Estimated annual salary range for a futurist position, depending on experience and background.
Cadillac Model Budget
Estimated quick and dirty numbers for a 'Cadillac level' futurist operation, including a top-tier futurist, 2-3 researchers, operating budget, and implementation costs.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Further discussion on the creation of a futurist or innovation-focused role within the city.
- Exploration of different models for implementing long-term strategic planning, including a collaborative institute with OSU.
Agenda Summary
Discussion on Stillwater's Future Operational Drivers
Council members discussed major factors that will shape Stillwater's future, including healthcare, OSU expansion, economic development incentives, changing transportation modes, energy, and technology (e.g., broadband expansion).
Discussion on Stillwater's Future Reputational Drivers
Council members identified factors that will determine Stillwater's reputation, such as healthcare, manufacturing, air service, community feel, recreational opportunities, retirement appeal, resource availability (including people), and exploitation of new technology.
Discussion on the 'Why' for a Futurist Position
Council members explored the reasons for considering a futurist role, including being proactive, improving quality of life, addressing slow government processes, identifying new horizons, and lacking dedicated long-term strategic thinking staff.
Discussion on Reasons Not to Create a Futurist Position
Council members considered potential drawbacks, such as competing for resources, staffing challenges, and difficulty integrating the role politically.
Vision for Stillwater's Raging Success in 20 Years
Council members envisioned Stillwater as a leader in new industry, a quality-of-life hub, a community with self-sustaining infrastructure, a place where students stay, a vibrant downtown, and a nationally recognized innovation hub.
Flow of Thought Reactions to Drivers and Success Vision
The consultant provided feedback and expanded on the council's points regarding changing transportation, energy, broadband, citizen involvement, university town dynamics, retirees, resource availability (people), technology exploitation, diverse commerce, and ease of doing business.
Discussion on the Role and Activities of a Futurist
Council members discussed what a futurist would actually do, including forward-thinking, monitoring national and regional trends, spreading a culture of long-term thinking, enabling existing staff, and providing legislative foresight.
Research Findings on Futurist Roles and Compensation
Gary presented research on futurist positions, including salary ranges ($80k-$170k), the need for quantitative skills, and the challenge of long-term commitment from the city.
Comparison of Futurist, Innovation Officer, and Assistant City Manager Roles
The consultant differentiated between various roles that involve forward-thinking, noting that true futurists focus on long-term trends rather than immediate implementation or process improvement.
Discussion on Implementation Models and Funding
The council explored different approaches to establishing a futurist function, from a 'Cadillac model' (estimated $500k) to a single early-career person, or a collaborative institute with OSU, and the potential for revenue generation through selling research.