Fairfield Bay launches strategic growth plan

Fairfield Bay has launched the Fairfield Bay 2035 Strategic Plan, a roadmap designed to position the community as a residential and resort destination during the next decade. The plan is the product of months of community input and collaboration, involving residents, property owners, business leaders, and civic organizations.

The Fairfield Bay Alliance, a new leadership coalition composed of representatives from the city of Fairfield Bay, the Fairfield Bay Community Club, the Fairfield Bay Chamber of Commerce, and community volunteers, will guide and oversee the plan’s implementation. Organized around six strategic pillars, the plan focuses on quality of place, sustainable infrastructure, tourism and year-round visitor recruitment, resident recruitment and retention, civic engagement and volunteer capacity, and economic development.

“This plan is about building a thriving, sustainable future for Fairfield Bay,” said Rory Bradley, general manager of the Fairfield Bay Resort and chair of the Fairfield Bay Alliance. “For too long, our leadership has operated in silos. The Alliance ensures we move forward with unity, accountability, and measurable progress. It’s the structure we need to transform this vision into reality.”

Fairfield Bay Mayor Seth Connell said these goals were critical for community development.

“The Fairfield Bay 2035 Plan is more than a document—it’s a commitment. As mayor, I am proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Community Club, the Chamber, and our residents to ensure our city services, infrastructure, and governance support this shared vision for growth and prosperity.”

Jeff Standridge, Fairfield Bay homeowner and volunteer strategic advisor, underscored the role of grassroots input:

“This plan wasn’t written in a board room. It came from the voices of our community—residents, property owners, small business owners, and civic leaders who care deeply about Fairfield Bay. The Alliance structure guarantees that we keep those voices at the center of the Strategic Plan.”

Selecting pillar champions via an application process for each of the six Strategic Pillars identified in the plan is one of the first steps. Establishing a coordinated communications platform across the city, club, and chamber will be a goal in 2026.

Another immediate step will be the beautifying and activating the Town Center as the heart of commerce and community life. Building a strong corps of volunteers to drive community initiatives will also be a part of the plan along with launching a grant pursuit strategy to attract outside funding.

By 2035, Fairfield Bay aims to grow its permanent population, attract more annual visitors each year, and establish itself as one of the most desirable small-town resort communities in the Ozarks.