Stakeholders Partner to Develop Stronger Community

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Redente
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
SAN ANGELO, Texas --  Stakeholders here met with Goodfellow Air Force Base leaders Feb. 13 at Angelo State University's Houston Harte Center to discuss additional alliance scenarios as part of the Air Force Community Partnership Initiative.

More than 55 representatives from across the community including elected officials, the Chamber of Commerce, San Angelo Independent School District and transportation officials participated with Goodfellow's leadership in the first of a seven-step process to enhance the efficiency and improve the military value of how Department of Defense installations fit in the Public-Public and Public-Private, or P4, partnerships rubric to create efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.

According to the Journal of Defense Communities, Public-Public Partnerships are an agreement among a minimum of two public organizations to attain mutual objectives by merging resources. Public-Private Partnerships are similar but involve at least one private party.

Partnerships between the base and community already exist between the fire department and medical services, but the military isn't the only organization affected by constricting budgets.

"Goodfellow has a great relationship with the community, but there are still ways we can improve and consolidate resources to be better stewards of taxpayer dollars," said Col. Kimberlee Joos, 17th Training Wing Commander. "We constantly hear from our outstanding San Angelo community partners, what can we do for you? Today, I ask the community leaders present to instead ask, 'What can we do with you?'"

Federal authorities are allowing such partnerships to take place and even assist to overcome technical barriers.

Language allowing installations to enter into agreements supporting municipal functions was added into the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act to support the Air Force Community Partnership Initiative allowing installations to enter into intergovernmental support agreements with local governments.

"The City of San Angelo wants to ensure Goodfellow continues to have a strong presence within our community," said the Honorable Dwain Morrison, San Angelo mayor. "If possible partnerships are blocked by technicalities, we will work with Goodfellow's leaders to advocate through the proper legal channels as we continue to strengthen our partnerships with plans to help those within the fence and outside of it."

During the brainstorming session, more than 30 initiatives were generated to get the group started. Prioritizing these initiatives will take place over the next month, so when these leaders and their subject matter experts meet March 25, they will work on objectives for six to eight potential partnerships. The expectation is to research and plan what partnerships will help Goodfellow Air Force Base as well as San Angelo, and within the year, put such agreements into action.

"San Angelo businesses are eager to continue their support and partnership with Goodfellow," said Phil Neighbors, San Angelo Chamber of Commerce president. "This strategic planning process promises to provide a lot more 'win-win' situations for Goodfellow, San Angelo and our local businesses."

Goodfellow Air Force Base is among 30 installations across the Air Force working with surrounding communities to explore cost-saving opportunities. Many partnerships have developed through the initiative. For success stories, visit the All Partners Access network at www.airforcepartnerships.org.

Editors note:
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