Clayton remains the region’s premiere dining destination, with restaurants ranging from Capital Grill to Starbucks. Recently the longtime highly acclaimed Tony’s Restaurant relocated to Clayton within the new Centene development.

iv To aid in further development, the City updated the Downtown Master Plan which calls for a stronger identity for the downtown area, specifically the retail component. The revised plan provides a comprehensive framework for future development and strategic retail marketing efforts. The plan includes streetscape improvements; interconnecting open space creating a downtown identity; and developing a marketing strategy to benefit private and public sectors and encourage tourism. Two plan projects have been completed which were a comprehensive signage and wayfinding system; and Chapman Plaza which was a privately funded $7 million inviting, new pedestrian entrance to Shaw Park from the downtown which includes a large, natural water feature at the northeast corner of the park. The City continues to expand the offering of community events in the downtown area and plans to update the City’s comprehensive plan, including the downtown area, in the near future.

COVID-19

The City has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the related reduction in economic activity stemming from periods of closed or reduced business activity. The revenue areas effected were sales tax, utility tax, parking fees, fines, parks and recreation fees, and investment income. Recognizing the severity of the pandemic and its economic impact, the City started planning in April of 2020 to reduce expenditures for the remaining portion of the year by holding open vacant staff positions and reducing non-essential purchases.

Economic activity is returning in the City and entire region as nearly all businesses and community activities are open at least at a reduced capacity level. The City does expect revenues to continue to be affected in the short-term.

MAJOR INITIATIVES

Citizen Survey and Performance Management The City performs biennial citizens’ surveys which are conducted to ensure the City is meeting the needs and expectations of our citizens. In the last survey the City maintained high ratings, continuing with the highest standards in several categories tracked by the ETC Institute, the survey administrator. The City continues to develop its performance measurement and management system to align City services and programs with the feedback from the survey.

Strategic Plan The City has in place a strategic plan for the future, entitled C the Future. The City hired a consultant which facilitated the process, established a steering committee, created a fifty-person stakeholder’s group, and received public input through focus groups and online forums. The final plan generated the following community vision.

VISION Clayton is recognized regionally and nationally as a premier city of its size and character. The community is a safe, vibrant destination defined by its unique combination of leading businesses and educational institutions, the seat of county government and picturesque neighborhoods, all of which combine to provide an exceptional quality of life.

Four Key Performance Areas and Strategic Initiatives were identified and developed for the community. These are the critical areas that must be successful in order to achieve the vision above. Strategic initiatives have also been identified for each key performance area. The four key performance areas are as follows: