Introduction - themes Lakefront events – Concerts, movies, events, fireworks The Mall in Columbia Open Space and pathways Symphony Woods & Merriweather Post Pavilion Pools & swim teams – “swim team is embodiment of what Columbia is all about (family time)” Athletic facilities & gyms Columbia’s founding principles Village Centers concept Library System 1
Columbia Speaks. CA Listens. Programs & Services - themes More opportunities to get involved (ex. discussion forums) Live up to our reputation of being a good place to raise kids – Updating tot-lots, creating indoor rec centers Greater walkability/biking/public transportation – Clear signage, maintenance, bus lanes, bike shares Improve senior services & affordability of living here More community events – especially intergenerational More programs/services for men 2
Columbia Speaks. CA Listens. Programs & Services - themes Village Centers to be updated/improved Gym facilities to be updated/improved Make Columbia more affordable (housing, membership fees, help people in need) Greater coordination of programs – especially between Villages Open Space – mow it more, make it functional, create places for people to gather Improve the dog park staffing and rule enforcement 3
Columbia Speaks. CA Listens. Governance: what works well - themes Village boards and village centers are great – Love meet and greets – Love how villages work – Architectural committees work – Can discuss issues at village meetings – Villages work efficiently – Personal service at villages and they keep everything running with good communication 4
Columbia Speaks. CA Listens. Governance: what does not work - themes CA board does well for CA but not for the families of Columbia 55+ need to be represented Straying from Rouse’s vision Need better enforcement of rental issues Need more outreach for families to know how to get involved, families are disconnected with the decision making process Better communication between CA board, village boards, and the residents they represent Village management unclear and that leads to apathy, Not enough communication about how CA governance works and structure 5
Columbia Speaks. CA Listens. Communications & Engagement – Examples (did not have enough time to find themes) CA Website Experience – New version is more difficult to use than the older version – Non-tech savvy people should help test website – Needs a google site search bar – Village Centers websites are not connected 6
Columbia Speaks. CA Listens. Communications & Engagement – Examples (did not have enough time to find themes) Communication from CA – CA monthly could also be sent as an – More use of twitter to drive youth engagement – A public access channel – More opportunities to give collective feedback – More events in Columbia with Howard County – Smartphone app for schedules & updates – Marketing targeted by demographics – Add “contact us” to CA website 7
Columbia Speaks. CA Listens. Communications & Engagement – Examples (did not have enough time to find themes) Other ways to provide direct feedback to CA – Regular surveys on CA website – Expand “Ask the President a question” online – Touch the community more – CA app for smart phones – Live immediate responses to resident’s questions – Need more “active not passive” engagement – more like today 8