Babb sets retreat to develop 5-year plan to make Butte the most livable city in the state.

Butte-Silver Bow department heads and other officials will spend next Thursday at the Iron Wheel Guest Ranch, mapping out a five-year plan to make Butte the most livable city in the state.

Chief Executive Paul Babb said discussion will focus on community enrichment, economic development, public safety and housing — the four areas he’s identified as priorities.

Butte’s Janet Cornish will facilitate the day-long retreat, and the outcome will include specific action items.

“This is not a pie-in-the-sky exercise,” Babb said, adding that now is the perfect time for the retreat since work is soon to begin on next year’s county budget. “If we set priorities, we must make sure the funding is there to make them happen. We can’t set goals and objectives that aren’t funded.” Once the plan is done, Babb said he will present it to commissioners.

By The Standard Staff

Full Story: http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2006/02/18/newsbutte/hjjdjhibjiicfi.txt