Replacement of City Commissions with New Citizen Engagement Program. The City of Sedona’s progressive approach to getting residents involved.

The History Six discretionary commissions Possible reorganization – old system not working Year-long process Solution: new Citizen Engagement Program Operate in subject matter silos Confusion about roles Staff intensive Not productive Developed work plans before City Council approval and without resources to accomplish work items Open meeting laws cumbersome and inherently inefficient Frustration over misalignment between Council and Commission priorities 2 to 3-year commitment to monthly meetings limited who could participate Difficulty filling vacancies & getting quorums Flexible, efficient Centers around task-oriented work groups that are results driven Interdisciplinary Deeper and more meaningful engagement Unencumbered by open meeting requirements Broader participation Innovative with digital platforms and use of technology Easy, open participation

What Does the Citizen Engagement Program Entail? Two fundamental components Idea Generation/ Solicitation of Input Work Groups – Tactical o Staff Led o Citizens participate alongside staff in a deeper more meaningful way o Registry of citizen volunteers to draw from

Collecting Ideas and Input from the Community Through the Website and using technology -Comment Box City Council and staff interactions with citizens and other stakeholders (Day to day and town halls) Text message, , phone calls, etc. Citizens Connect App for mobile devices Social Media Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Web-based polling and interactive idea lab: Engage Sedona Website

Ideas and Input go Unfiltered to City Council City Council will hear every idea quarterly and then again at their annual priority setting work session List of City Council Priorities for the upcoming year is established

Once Council sets their priority work items, staff/citizen teams work together to address each issue or project Current work group examples (15 work groups, 85+ citizens): – Bike Park Work Group – Citizens Budget Work Group – Service Contract Review Work Group – Roundabout Art Work Group – Land Use at Wastewater Treatment Plant – Development Review Work Group – Community Focus Area Work Groups – Uptown Parking and Traffic Work Group – Off Road Vehicles Work Group – Small Grants Review Work Group – Barbara’s Park Design Jury Work Group – Alcohol in the Parks Work Group

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