On March 8th, the City Council held a discussion about organizing a series of input sessions to engage Flagstaff’s indigenous community members.  At the conclusion of the discussion Council directed staff to work with Councilmember Putzova on developing a strategy for this engagement. Council also discussed that following the listening sessions that they would reconvene to identify policies and develop a plan to address the challenges facing Flagstaff’s Indigenous community members.

The purpose of this Work Session agenda item is to review a proposed strategy and understand the Council’s objectives to ensure successful engagement.  The strategy includes a list of proposed engagement topics which were developed through listening sessions with representatives from the indigenous community.  In addition, staff will seek input from Council on the format for the town hall-style input sessions.

The purpose of the town hall-style engagement is to learn about challenges facing the Native American population, to foster dialog identifying possible solutions and create actionable plans, and to encourage multi-agency/ partner approach to lasting action, assessment, and improvement.

Staff will then develop a more detailed approach using the input received from Council and present at an upcoming Council Work Session.  Once the engagement plan is finalized, staff will finalize outreach and marketing to maximize participation.  Staff estimates that the first town hall event would take place in the late fall.  Staff will provide status reports to Council and the community throughout the engagement period.  Following the listening sessions staff will prepare for a Work Session discussion with Council to develop an action plan that is response to the feedback received at the town hall events. 

Enclosed in the staff summary is an outline of the proposed path forward for conducting the town hall-style engagement events, including information on goals, topics, partners, outreach strategy and format.  The proposal concludes with suggested dates and location for the events.

COUNCIL GOALS:
3) Provide sustainable and equitable public facilities, services, and infrastructure systems in an efficient and effective manner to serve all population areas and demographics
7) Continue to implement the Flagstaff Regional Plan and focus efforts on specific plans
8) Improve effectiveness of notification, communication, and engagement with residents, neighborhoods and businesses and about City services, programs, policies, projects and developments
10) Support and assist the most vulnerable

REGIONAL PLAN:
Goal CC.6. Encourage Native American culture and art.