Watertown’s H2O-50 Visioning Project Enters Action Phase

 

The H2O-50 leadership team is proud to announce that Phase 3 of the Watertown H2O-50 Visioning Project is officially underway, marking a major milestone in the city’s long-term planning efforts. This next step will be celebrated on Thursday, June 12, during Thursday Night Live at Foundation Plaza, where community members are invited to learn more and get involved.

Phase 3, known as the Strategic Action Plan, represents the transition from planning to implementation. Building on recommendations from the H2O-50 Vision Framework, this phase focuses on targeted actions to shape Watertown’s future. Success will depend on collaboration across public, private, and philanthropic sectors.

About H2O-50

Launched in 2024, H2O-50 is a comprehensive, community-driven initiative designed to guide Watertown’s growth and development for the next generation. The project has unfolded in three key phases:

• Phase 1: Community Visioning – Thousands of community members shared input on their hopes for Watertown’s future through surveys, focus groups, and visioning sessions. Engagement highlights include:
• • 23 community leaders interviewed
  • 7 focus groups facilitated (approximately 100–110 attendees)
  • 2 community visioning sessions (approximately 35 participants)
  • 3,069 English-language and 24 Spanish-language survey responses

 

In total, 3,093 survey responses were received—surpassing the 2012 H2O-20 initiative’s benchmark of 2,600 and representing nearly 10% of the region’s population.

• Phase 2: Competitive Assessment & Vision Framework – Community input was combined with economic, demographic, and regional data to identify strengths, challenges, and opportunities. This phase identified where the community is today and what it will need to thrive in the future.

H2O-50 Vision Framework: Four Pillars

As a result of Phase 2, four key pillars emerged—forming the foundation for the Strategic Action Plan:

1. Housing Supply – Ensuring a sustainable supply of quality housing across various styles and price points.
2. Activities & Recreation – Expanding and enhancing recreational and cultural destinations to improve quality of life.
3. Workforce Capacity – Developing a skilled workforce to support business growth and economic sustainability.
4. Community Building – Creating a welcoming, forward-thinking, and collaborative city where all residents can thrive.

Phase 3: Strategic Plan & Implementation

Phase 3 is the most critical step and focuses on turning ideas into action. Each pillar includes clear priorities and actionable steps that will be carried out by volunteer Action Teams, working in partnership with key community organizations such as the City of Watertown, Codington County, Watertown School District, the Chamber of Commerce, the Watertown Development Company, and the Watertown Area Community Foundation.

These Action Teams will consist of individuals and organizations with the expertise and resources to drive meaningful progress. They will play a crucial role in translating the Vision Framework into real-world initiatives that benefit all residents.

A Community-Driven Future

“The H2O-50 Strategic Plan is more than a roadmap—it’s a commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive, and future-ready city. It’s about listening to our community, focusing on what matters most, and turning ideas into action,” said Co-Chair Amanda Culhane. “It’s about rolling up our sleeves and working together to build the kind of Watertown we all want to live in.”

The community is encouraged to attend the June 12 launch event at Foundation Plaza to learn more about the plan, engage with Action Teams, and discover ways to get involved. The winners of the two $500 prizes for survey participants will also be awarded at the launch on June 12.

To learn more or express interest in joining an Action Team, please visit WatertownH2O50.com, email WatertownH2O50@gmail.com, and follow WatertownH2O50 on Facebook and Instagram.