COTI sets strategic priorities for year
The Committee of the Islands (COTI) announced that it has established its strategic priorities for the 2026-27 year following a recent, special board session.
COTI will focus its efforts on key issues shaping the future of Sanibel, including active participation in updates to the Sanibel Plan and engagement in community dialogue, to ensure proposed changes align with the island’s shared vision for a small-town, sanctuary community.
It reported that it will also closely monitor transportation initiatives, including the shared use path (SUP), advocating for solutions that support livability and reflect community priorities.
Additional priorities will include advancing coastal resilience efforts in response to climate change and sea level rise, and engaging in broader regional and governmental policy discussions related to adaptation and mitigation. COTI will also track Sanibel’s upcoming city elections, including the March city council race, encouraging outcomes consistent with the island’s long-term vision.
It noted that environmental stewardship will remain central to its mission, with continued attention to water quality issues, such as stormwater management, septic systems, wetlands protection and saltwater intrusion. Wildlife protection and invasive species control will also remain a priority, reinforcing the island’s commitment to its unique ecosystems.
Finally, COTI will invest in organizational development by expanding membership, increasing community engagement, and strengthening outreach efforts to communicate its role and activities across Sanibel. To join COTI or for more information, visit COTI.org.
To read the full set of its 2026-27 strategic priorities, visit http://bit.ly/4gTje8O.