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18 <br />Project engagement was conducted using a two-phased approach. This <br />provided for initial, broad input gathering from the public in Phase 1, followed <br />by a feedback loop in Phase 2 to confirm findings and share recommendations. <br />PHASE 1 <br />• Project Website with project details and information <br />• Online public preference survey (362 respondents, see Appendix A for <br />results summary) <br />• Downtown Farmers Market pop-up <br />• Elk RiverFest pop-up <br />• Street decals about the project throughout downtown <br />PHASE 2 <br />• A project overview video that summarized key plan elements <br />• Public Open House at City Hall that presented key recommendations and <br />outcomes of the plan. <br />The project was guided by a steering committee comprised of city staff, <br />downtown business owners, and local stakeholders. The steering committee <br />met monthly to review public feedback, evaluate opportunities, craft <br />recommendations, and establish an implementation plan. <br />ENGAGEMENT AND STEERING COMMITTEE <br />WHAT WE HEARD <br />• The public deeply values downtown, particularly its businesses and <br />events. <br />• Free or low-cost activities downtown draw the most people, <br />particularly where there are things to do for young families and kids <br />- something that is missing elsewhere in the city. <br />• Downtown should continue to attract more businesses, more <br />places to gather, and better views and access to the River. <br />• Parking, or at least the perception of available parking, is a concern <br />for the public. <br />• Within downtown itself, people did not want to see more <br />housing, particularly if it comes at the expense of more stores and <br />restaurants. <br />Downtown plan engagement at the Farmers Market (left), and Elk Riverfest (right). <br />Street decals about the project downtown <br />Page 88 of 157