City leaders reflect on Urbana’s accomplishments

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In this topsy-turvy world of ours, we have much to be thankful for, and there is still much to do as we move into the new year, but let’s take time to reflect on 2022; a year full of sowing, nurturing and harvesting.

J.P. Morgan, the late great American financier and banker who dominated the American financial and industrial world through the late 19th and into the early 20th century said, “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” We continue to build on our successes and prudently work to build our economic base within the city. As one drives through the community, change is in the air; to some, it may be uncomfortable, yet to others the changes may be met with enthusiasm, and the sense of, what took so long?

To those who have concerns about the amount of growth Urbana is fostering, a quote from Tulsa, Oklahoma’s, Mayor, G.T. Bynum, may ring true, “Anyone who is worried about us growing too much, just know that we’ve tried the alternative.” We can stay right where we are, doing what we’ve always done. It’s easier that way. It’s safer that way.

It’s more predictable that way. It’s more comfortable that way. Growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It comes as a result of serious planning, assessing, and often with a bit of soul-searching. It’s all too common for communities to get stuck where they are because they haven’t made that all-important commitment that they’re no longer willing to stay where they are.

Ushering in the New Year is a perfect time to reflect on the past year, and begin planning for the next. Despite the ongoing residual pandemic and political issues, 2022 was a year of celebrations and successes for our community; a time to reflect on the past, present and future of Urbana. While it would be easy to simply rest on the laurels ofyesterday, the Urbana team is thinking about the future and how we can pull together as a community to have the biggest impact possible. As a community, we have incredible opportunities to improve our base and provide thoseamenities to not only our existing residents, but to our visitors who may be looking for a new place to land.

Over the past several years, City staff made a concerted effort to continue the momentum we’ve established as acommunity striving to reach its potential. As we entered the year, Urbana was celebrating a highly successful 2021 andwe were poised to deliver on our commitment to re-establish the City as, the “best kept secret in the Miami Valley,” and deliver we did.

The past two years will be difficult to forget; however, from ever-changing viewpoints to charting paths we haven’t ventured before, the City’s leadership team and its dedicated employees pushed forward, often making the best of challenging circumstances. It may not have always been smooth, but the focus on the community and its growth remained our target.

In the following pages (viewable at https://www.urbanaohio.com/administration.html), we close our 2022 Year-in-Review with a recap of the City’s results, and we couldn’t be prouder of the team and community’s efforts. We thank you for your support, and allowing us the opportunity to serve you.

In closing, as we begin the new year, let’s say a kind word to each other, offer help when able, listen when necessary and do our part to work toward peace in our little corner of the world.

At the intersection of history and tomorrow, sits the City of Urbana, …. It’s time to begin, again.

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