I agree with many of the concerns raised by people on this list about the long-term commitment to community engagement in Minneapolis. Neighborhood associations play a critical role in ensuring a meaningful voice for residents in the governance of our city. As a former board member of a neighborhood association, president of a neighborhood development corporation, and CCP-SAFE Crime Prevention Specialist, I know this important role is often undervalued. I also know that Minneapolis residents and stakeholders can choose from a number of avenues in order participate in their government.
But I also know we can and must do better at engaging our residents and businesses. NRP and CCP/SAFE represent some of the shining examples of Minneapolis' tradition of valuing community engagement. It is now time to evaluate and strengthen our efforts. The purpose of the Minneapolis Community Engagement Project (MCEP) is to set the stage for a broad policy conversation and build consensus of support for a comprehensive, assessable and accountable community engagement system in Minneapolis. With the leadership and support of Council Member Benson, my office has hired CommunityLeader to initiate this policy conversation. CommunityLeader, lead by Joseph Barisonzi, has three months to facilitate this initial effort. There are four deliverables: 1. – Shared problem statement, 2. – Shared definitions, 3. – A proposal for a framework to discuss community engagement, and; 4. – A recommendation for community outreach in future policy discussions. These will be incorporated in a report intended to be delivered to the full city council and Mayor at a December 17th study session. We have established three distinct processes to receive guidance, expertise, insights, ideas, expectations and concerns. 1.. We have titled one of the processes the Convening Group. Each city council member has nominated two leaders in their ward to serve as members of this group. 2.. NRP sponsored a citizen participation session. The session took place on Wednesday, October 13. 3.. Finally, CommunityLeader has created a place for online forums at our project website www.MplsCommunityEngagement.com. This effort is distinct from the work of the Communications Department of the city. The director is charged with developing the roles and responsibilities for the Community Coordinator position. Please contact my office, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (or 612-673-2210), or CommunityLeader, [EMAIL PROTECTED], if you have questions or would like to become involved in this effort. Finally, I want to thank E-Democracy.Org for partnering with the Minneapolis Community Engagement Project to co-host a conversation (Engaging Minneapolis) about the challenges and opportunities for community engagement in Minneapolis. This 2 week on-line conversation (beginning today) will feature the project's team posting questions to inspire comments and suggestions. I look forward to the conversation. Thanks in advance for your participation!! Dan Niziolek ECCO Resident 10th Ward Council Member REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
