In 1990, the West Hollywood City Council directed staff to develop its first strategic plan, Vision 2000, which specified the projects, programs and services the City has been delivering since. In the fall of 2001, Council asked the City Manager and staff to develop a new strategic plan. Through ongoing meetings with all elements of the community, a new Mission Statement and Core Values were developed and five Primary Goals defined, based on what emerged as the most important issues facing the City. An additional list of Ongoing Strategic Programs -- programs that the City had already established as being vital to the diversity and nature of the community was also re-defined and maintained.

In June of 2003, VISION 2020 was completed. It was distributed to all residents, businesses, social service providers, staff, and other key stakeholders who participated in the process.

The Five Primary Goals and Ongoing Strategic Programs are the focus of staff's work plans and have been established as guide lines in Council Staff Reports, The Boards and Commissioners Handbooks, and the Budget. VISION 2020 will be the blueprint for West Hollywood's direction over the next 12 to 20 years.