Session VI - Local Government 101
What did you learn from Sam Friedman that might help you in the work you are doing in your community?
Session II - What is a Neighborhood Network?
Last night, we heard from city planner Hannah Van Nimwegen-McGuire about the City of Colorado Springs new approach to planning, a model centered around smaller neighborhood plans. We also heard CONO Execuitve Director Sara Vaas and CONO Board Chair Anthony Carlson discuss the plan to build neighborhood network boards to ensure citizens are involved in the development and implementation of these plans. What do you see as the possibilities for this model in your neighborhood? What are some of the challenges that may emerge in this model?
These were 2 very useful and informative presentations by knowledgeable and passionate folks. I need to go back and carefully review the slides to enhance my grasp of the overall concepts to better understand how I will use this new knowledge in my interactions with the city and my community moving forward. A couple of quick take aways: From Morgan regarding city planning, I learned that all emails are part of the public record. For me that indicates the importance of submitting succinct, well articulated and respectful questions, comments and observations. From Christian at CSU, I learned that planning typically takes about 10 years and the value of citizen input. For me this emphasizes that change does not come overnight and that we need to be forward thinking and involved in planning every step of the way, especially regarding environmental issues of our energy and water useage. The discussion regarding non-potable water was an excellent example of why we can’t just switch to another option at the flick of a switch.
ReplyDeleteCyndi Long
Middle Shooks Run
I learned a good deal about how the City departments are organized and who does what. It's also good news that trash/litter is all going to be consolidated into one group. Sam's presentation was a very effective overview and his answers to questions were spot on. If I ever need a question answered or guidance about who does what in the City I know who to go to.
ReplyDeleteSam's presentation was the most useful so far. It was great to clarify what department handles what issues. I also really appreciated his tips on how to address City Council. A small minority ever reach out to provide their opinion. I'd like to facilitate my neighborhood to be able to influence things that matter to them.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Hoskins
Mesa Springs
I fully appreciated how forthcoming Sam was. He did a great job of representing the City and presenting City council. I never realized that I actually have four (4) City council members in comparison to the one (1) that I am most familiar with.
ReplyDeleteFadil Lee
Indigo Ranch
Really enjoyed the session on Tuesday, my favorite so far. Sam's presentation was a reminder of how important it is to know names and who does what within local government. Here is Honolulu, I have noticed how that if you take a personal and kind approach to elected officials, you have a much better chance of a successful outcome. These folks want to help and half the issue is bringing it to their attention and then following up.
ReplyDeleteDianne Bridges
ReplyDeleteKey Points:
• Extremely valuable discussion for neighborhoods, in particular learning basics about COS City Government, department responsibilities and advice on how to communicate with elected officials.
• Loads of good information in the presentation and dialog, including why we might want to talk with certain Departments, who the Department reports to, their budget, the number of employees and phone number contact information.
• Excellent sharing.
This class provided a great deal of valuable information on how to actually make things happen and change things for the better in neighborhoods across Colorado Springs. I am encouraged and motivated by the City's planning and emphasis on community evolvement. The evolvement of the community is very important as our city is growing so fast, so much is needing to be done to maintain and protect our neighborhoods and our quality of life. Having the right tools and connections and communication with the right people make this a possibility.
ReplyDeleteSam's presentation was incredibly informative. Everything I learned from him filled in a lot of the blanks of things I was hoping to learn more about from Neighborhood U, so that's great! The breakdown of city government branches and departments was especially helpful. I especially appreciated not only all of the info on the various budgets and contacts for each department, but also all of his various hypothetical scenarios the helped to break for WHY we might want to reach whichever specific department most relevant to an issue. I was saddened but not surprised to learn that Neighborhood Services receives only 0.3% of the cities budget, and also pleased to hear that there are more than just the one district city council person. This presentation was so packed with information and resources galore and I really appreciated it!
ReplyDeleteCourtney Benson
Bott Park/Midland
Greatly appreciated direct and well organized presentation on our city departments. Valuable info that one MIGHT expect to find in an annual report. Followed up with a history question which would love to share with all that our Parks budget share of the City's general fund has NOT regained its status PRE 2008/09 recession. As an ardent fans of PARKS and their importance to our founder who donated so many, hope all will seek to increase amount of $$ coming from general fund for Parks. Great clarity from comparable info from each department. Many thanks to Sam and all. jrj, Bon Park/Bonnyville
ReplyDeleteSam was great helping to inform us about the proper city departments to contact regarding specific issues. Working for the city, directing people to the proper department is one of my biggest waste of time issues.
ReplyDeleteThe perspective of how much of the budget that departments get to work with was a little eye opening as well! It really shows where the priorities of the city are.
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ReplyDeleteSession 6
ReplyDeleteSam Freidman provided an excellent presentation that succinctly explained the different roles that City Council play and the departments they oversee. It was quite eye opening in terms of funding and responsibilities. This is yet another class that could be expanded to 2 sessions. I especially would like to see more time devoted to the quasi-judicial meetings issue as this impacts ability to meet and discuss issues with council members.
Cyndi Long
Middle Shooks Run
Sam was an outstanding resource. His presentation was excellent, covering our city's government with clear and concise slides. This session was excellent.
ReplyDelete