One of the initial tasks undertaken by the Alamo Regional Data Alliance’s Interim Steering Committee (ISC) was to draft a Community Strategy. Over three facilitator-led work sessions, the ISC engaged in collaborative exercises (see Pichler’s Product Vision Board and affinity diagramming) to develop a shared vision, describe local data-related needs, and identify issues to consider as ARDA works to meet those needs over the next several years.

In March 2017, the ISC held a Vision-Phase Convening to introduce the Alamo Regional Data Alliance to a broader group of stakeholders. Over 65 data professionals, local leaders, and residents had the opportunity to discuss and suggest refinements to the drafted Community Strategy at the convening. The information gathered from these discussions was used to finalize ARDA’s 2017 Community Strategy ensuring that needs across the community were addressed.