Goals & Challenges:

The Consolidated Planning process is an opportunity to listen to a diverse set of voices which will inform civic leaders and shape community-focused programs over the next five years. Throughout the community engagement process, we hope to:

Identify Existing Assets

1. Incorporate work that has already been done by other groups (e.g. area or neighborhood plans, community planning efforts, other City initiatives in housing and economic development).
2. Align and connect with other community engagement efforts (e.g. Growing MKE, community health needs assessment).

Provide Context

1. Plan to educate.
2. Use experts and data to define the scope of data collected.
3. Work in collaboration to positively facilitate complaints and manage expectations.

Attend Community Gatherings

1. Make use of pre-existing convenings.
2. Prepare for multiple formats and durations.
3. Include the “fun factor” (interactive discussion, games/activities, incentives) – we really want to know what people think!

Survey & Interview

1. Disseminate community survey tool in digital and paper format. Boost participation using social media and other networks.
2. Offer and facilitate focused small-group discussions with affinity groups to leverage expertise of people active in housing and economic development.
3. Seek out residents and community leaders for their direct input and feedback. Be present at neighborhood and community events when possible.