A c t i o n P l a n
TECHNICAL TWINNING PROGRAM FOR TECHNICAL COOPERATION BETWEEN;
MUNICIPALITY OF HASKOVO, BULGARIA
and
TOWNSHIP OF ABINGTON, USA
ACTION PLAN
INTRODUCTION
In order to implement the activities described in the Memorandum of Agreement, the Municipality of Haskovo and the Township of Abington have agreed to the following six point strategy. This will serve as a framework for the on-going relationship between our two cities. The Action Plan looks at both short term and long term goals. The short term objectives are the items which can be successfully accomplished in the next seven months. The long term goals will take our relationship forward into the future.
The major points of this strategy , in priority are, as follows:
I. Economic Development
II. Citizen Participation
III. Health Care
IV. Education and Culture
V. Municipal Finance and Budgeting
VI. Information Management
SHORT TERM GOALS (Seven Month Strategies)
I. Economic Development
Develop a model economic development plan with a strong incubator component.
Action Steps:
A. Begin dialogue with business community
B. Establish a steering committee
C. Begin formulation of plan with the participation of business and other resource structures
D. Research and develop a draft model plan
E. Present draft to business community
F. Expand framework for business incubator component.
G. Finalize model plan for presentation to municipal council.
finalize model plan present to municipal council
Participants:
Economic Development Agency - Haskovo
Municipal Secretary Apostol Apostolov
Economic Development Committee - Haskovo Municipal Council
Haskovo Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Haskovo University '91 Foundation
Economic Development Office - Abington
II Citizen Participation
Facilitate the Identification of Mechanisms for Interaction with Local Government Using Citizen Participation.
Action Steps:
A. Municipality begins dialogue with citizen groups to share the planning process
B. Establish steering committee comprised of citizens, elected officials, and administration
C. Identify mechanisms for interaction with local government
D. Finalize recommendations for presentation to municipal council
Participants:
Township Manager's Office - Abington Deputy Mayor George Mantarov Public Relations Office -Haskovo Citizens Groups - Haskovo
LONG TERM GOALS (Beyond June 1998 Strategies)
I. Economic Development
Exchange of public/private business information and establishment of partnerships within the business communities.
II. Citizen Participation
Continue to promote the growth of volunteerism within the community.
III. Health Care
Enhanced delivery of medical service to citizens.
IV. Education and Culture
Development of relationships in the area of education and cultural exchange.
V. Municipal Finance and Budgeting
Expansion of capital financing strategies.
VI. Information Management
Automate information management and service delivery systems.
INTERMITTENT STAFF EXCHANGE
The initial visit to Haskovo is planned for March, 1998 to support the activities described in Short Term Goal I. Economic Development and II. Citizen Participation. Additional visits to Abington and Haskovo will be determined, and staff identified for those visits, as schedules permit and resources and needs are further identified.
This the 15th day of November, 1997 /
Burton T. Conway, Township Manager Abington, USA
