2.0 SR 08-12-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Step 2: Public Participation Program We understand that a one-size-fits-all approach to community engagement is ineffective, and that Elk River will benefit from an extensive and authentic outreach process. Our Project Team provides a multi-pronged approach to outreach that will be essential in engaging the community, addressing local issues, and most importantly, ensuring the inclusion of a diverse swath of the City’s population. Flexible Engagement Approach Our responsive approach allows us to be flexible to maximize resources spent on creative planning and delivery of services. If face-to-face engagement is not feasible or desired at a particular point in the process, we will work with City staff to reallocate time and resources and identify the best online engagement tools and web meeting format to supplement outreach efforts. We are confident the suite of online engagement tools we can provide will allow us to obtain the community input required to provide Elk River with the Comprehensive Plan it needs. 2a: Interactive Project Website At the onset of the project we will design and host an interactive project website that is linked to the City’s existing website. We are committed to using the internet to maximize the participation and communication between the City and its residents. An interactive project website provides a home base for information regarding the new Comprehensive Plan. This website will be used to promote and popularize the planning process and be used to post project schedules and meeting dates; display graphics, maps, and draft documents; address frequently asked questions; host map.social; and provide online community surveys. 2b: map.social (an interactive web-based issues mapping platform) We will feature map.social, a web-based community issues mapping tool on the interactive project website. Developed by Houseal Lavigne, this tool allows users to identify, map, and comment on geographic areas of concern and valued community amenities. map.social simplifies the mapping process and familiarizes users with all areas of the community in a manner that is intuitive, interactive, and effective. Input from users allows us to create a composite map of community issues to assist with the establishment of community goals and policies. 2c: Online Community Questionnaire To provide another means for community participation, we will prepare an online questionnaire for the residents and business owners of Elk River to offer community-wide opinion on a range of topics and issues. The business questionnaire will include opportunity to provide specific input on those issues and concerns most important to the City’s business community. The online community questionnaire will be easily accessible on the project website. At the close of the questionnaire response period, we will review and summarize results as a gauge of community priorities and issues. 2d: Key Stakeholder Interviews and Small Focus Group Discussions (Up to 12) Key stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions allow us to obtain first-hand insight into the community from a diverse array of perspectives. Key stakeholder interviews are conducted with one to two participants. Small focus groups are made up of two to three participants gathered around a specific topic. Up to 12 confidential interviews or focus group discussions will be conducted to obtain additional information regarding local issues and potentials. The Project Team will work with City staff to identify those individuals and groups to be interviewed. We recommend a broad sampling of interviewees who may possess unique perspectives or special insights into the community. Interviewees could include selected property owners, new and lifelong residents, local builders and developers, students, local businesspersons, area not-for-profits and service providers, and representatives from other government bodies, institutions, and civic groups. 2e: Business Focus Group – Ensuring a “Business Friendly” Community The business focus group will be targeted specifically to property owners, business owners, developers, and Minooka’s corporate citizens as an important stakeholder group. The purpose of this focus group is to establish a dialogue and obtain feedback from those members of the business community that have a unique insight and perspective and whose assistance and involvement is crucial to the Plan’s ultimate success. The focus group will be scheduled to coincide with other in-person engagement activities and can be conducted in the early morning to minimize impacts to business owners or scheduled as part of a regular scheduled event where numerous property owners and business owners are typically in attendance. 2f: Community Visioning Workshop The purpose of a Community Visioning Workshop is to allow residents and stakeholders to tell us what they think, before plans and recommendations are crafted. The Community Visioning Workshop will involve the Project Team, City staff, the Advisory Committee, and members of the community. The workshop will begin with a large group exercise where participants will work together to identify planning priorities, issues, and opportunities. Participants will then break out into small groups for a mapping exercise where they will put pen to paper and work to develop their vision for the future of the community. The workshop will conclude with general agreement regarding the long-term role and character of Elk River and the projects and improvements that will be desirable in the future. 24 Comprehensive Plan Update | City of Elk River, Minnesota Prepared by Houseal Lavigne