Pasco County has earned national recognition for its five-year strategic plan, which outlines how county government intends to manage growth, improve public services and strengthen the local economy through 2030.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) recognized Pasco with its EDGE Excellence in Strategic Planning Award for the county's 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, according to a county announcement Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The award recognizes counties that develop comprehensive strategic plans addressing community priorities, public engagement, government operations and long-term performance. NACo's program is noncompetitive, with eligible counties recognized for meeting established planning standards.

"We've always been focused on being the very best stewards of taxpayer dollars," Marc Bellas, Pasco County's chief strategy and sustainability officer, said in the announcement. "This Strategic Planning Award validates our laser focus on turning these dollars into long-term benefits for the Pasco community."

Pasco County's website lists its population at 659,114, illustrating the scale of the community served by county government.

Plan focuses on growth, public safety and economic development

The county spent 18 months developing the plan with input from residents, employees and outside partners, according to its strategic plan webpage.

The plan establishes three broad priorities: building a sustainable foundation for health, safety and mobility; expanding social, cultural and recreational services; and encouraging economic growth through diversified investment and employment opportunities.

Those priorities address challenges facing fast-growing communities such as Wesley Chapel, where residential and commercial development has increased demand for roads, public safety services, parks and other infrastructure.

County planning documents also identify community resilience, sustainability and maintaining public health and safety as major challenges.

The strategic plan is intended to guide county departments in setting goals, allocating resources and measuring progress through 2030.

Pasco's fiscal 2025 budget documents reported a $2.24 billion budget, approximately $140 million more than the previous fiscal year.

That budget provides historical financial context for the county's planning efforts but does not represent spending dedicated exclusively to the strategic plan.

NACo's award criteria emphasize connecting strategic goals with measurable results, identifying responsible departments and communicating progress to residents.

"Your innovative approach and unwavering commitment have set a new standard for excellence, and we are honored to recognize your achievements," Beth Roberts, director of NACo EDGE, said in the county's announcement.

The recognition evaluates the county's planning framework rather than independently establishing whether its long-term goals have been achieved.

Residents can review plan through 2030

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, a member of NACo's Board of Directors, has emphasized the role of community input in shaping the county's long-term priorities.

The plan is intended to help county leaders respond to current needs while preparing for continued population growth and development.

Residents can review the full 2025-2030 Strategic Plan online or request a printed copy by emailing [email protected].