This presentation discusses what the Future Search methodology is and how the Holland/Zeeland community used this planning meeting model to discuss governance for the 21st century in our area.

1. What Is Future Search?
• A special meeting design that comes from theories and principles tested in
many cultures for the past 50 years.
• It relies on mutual learning among stakeholders as a catalyst for voluntary
action and follow-up.
• Participants (60-100) working in small groups devise new forms of
cooperation that continue for months or years.
• Unique 2 ½ day planning process that brings together a large group of
diverse stakeholders focused on a complex issue or goal.
• Small groups alternate from all stakeholders to mixed groups.
• Highly structured and task focused/outcome of each task builds on the next.
• Goal: Shared commitment around specific action.

2. Future Search Principles
• Whole system in the room – cross section of key
stakeholders.
• Exploration before action – see the big picture, put issue
in global/historical perspective.
• Seek Common Ground - focus on mutually desirable
futures.
• Shared Commitment – take responsibility for outcomes
and action.

3. Holland/Zeeland Area
Future Search
From March 28 – 30, 2011,
105 people representing our local governments,
and a broad cross section of the
Greater Holland/Zeeland community,
came together for a ground breaking
Future Search
focused on 21st Century Governance
in the Greater Holland/Zeeland area.

4. Why Future Search?
• We believe the Holland/Zeeland community is a
very special place.
• We recognize the world has changed.
• We acknowledge that economic forces have
impacted the effectiveness of our area business
models and the way we must approach our
future.

5. Our Future Search Goals
Bring local public officials together with
business and community stakeholders to
explore new ways to:
• deliver essential services effectively and more
cost-efficiently
• be a model for innovation and best practices in local
governance
• preserve our exceptional quality of life

6. Government vs. Governance
• Governance is defined as the act of
governing.
• It is essentially how our governments
and other publically approved
organizations serve our community.

7. Why Focus on Local Governance?
• Governments provide essential services.
• Business provides revenues that flow through
government, non-profit and educational
institutions.
• Cost of government services directly impacts
economic competitiveness and quality of life.
• we must find ways to deliver essential
government services at lower cost per capita

8. What Future Search Participants Said
about the Experience
• Wow – lots of hard issues coming to the forefront and forcing us to
think into the future – some really good thinking going on here.
• A truly unbelievable experience. I feel revitalized and hopeful about
our community.
• Great model for how communities need to tackle this new economy
– I will advocate for this type of process in my work throughout the
state and at the federal level.
• Great two days collaborating sharing and learning, I feel fortunate to
be a part of it.
• To see so many people from two communities and various sectors
come together acknowledging common ground and tackling some
tough issues was really unexpected.

9. Future Search
Original Planning Committee
Dick Haworth (Chairman Emeritus, Haworth) co-chair
Tim Hemingway (Board Chair HBPW) co-chair
Jim Brooks (Chair, Model Community Initiatives)
Steve Bulthuis (Executive Director, MACC)
Janet DeYoung (Executive Director, H/Z Community Foundation)
Jerry Felix (Manager, Park Township)
Terry Hofmeyer (Supervisor, Laketown Township)
Greg Holcombe (Community Planner, Riverview)
Tim Klunder (City Manager, Zeeland)
Don Komejan (Manager, Holland Charter Township)
Randy Thelen (President, Lakeshore Advantage)
Al Vanderberg (Administrator, Ottawa County)
Soren Wolff (City Manager, City of Holland)
Linda Brand (Executive Director, Strategic Leadership Forum)
Sandra Janoff (Facilitator and co-founder Future Search)

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11. Together We Can Create
a Bold New Future