2040 Comprehensive Plan Update: Consider Preliminary Framework for Citizen Engagement and Formation of Steering Committee

The purpose of this case is to consider a Preliminary Framework for Citizen Engagement for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update.

On December 4, 2014, the Planning Commission recommended adoption the Preliminary Work Plan for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update. A key discussion item was the topic of citizen engagement as it related to the goals of the Organizational Strategic Plan and Citizen Survey Results. This report is intended to lay that framework to develop a Citizen Engagement Plan.

The City Council reviewed the Preliminary Work Plan at their January 27, 2015 Work Session. Consensus was to support the document and approach as presented.

Notification is not required.

Common feedback during the development of the current 2030 Comprehensive Plan noted a desire to improve and better integrate citizen engagement in the development of the Plan, rather than as a framework to react to a draft plan. Over the past several years, the City has worked to re-design its approach to citizen engagement. A key success of that goal has been the neighborhood and issue-specific focus. Additionally, the City has worked to include the public in the development of agendas, priorities, and alternatives in a more collaborative fashion. This involves asking the community the broader policy question first, and not leading with alternatives and solutions. This factor serves as the foundation of developing a Citizen Engagement Plan for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update.

The Preliminary Framework identifies the work plan, structure, and design for citizen engagement. Additionally, it includes recommendations on providing a variety of ways to engage the public including, but not limited to, workshops/open houses, leveraging existing City events, use of technology, and the development of a mobile kiosk. Please see the attached document for more information.

In reviewing the results of the 2014 Citizen Survey, the Planning Commission identified the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update as a means to increase opportunities for the public to engage in the public process.

Preparation of this document is being handled as part of normal Staff duties.

Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Preliminary Framework for Citizen Engagement for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update.

Motion to recommend that the City Council adopt the attached Preliminary Framework for Citizen Engagement for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update.