City News Fall 2013 Newsletter Nov. 2013 | Page 6

Examples of what other Wilmingtonians are saying we need for the future: John “It would be great to have some ‘destinations’ at the north end of the riverwalk to sit outside and have a cup of coffee or inexpensive meal.” Ronnie “Improve the appearance of Carolina Beach Road from Greenfield Lake to Shipyard Boulevard.” David “Let’s become known for being a great bicycling city.” Clauston “Focus on things we do well: retirement, arts, food and medicine.” City seeks citizen input in a new way Do you have ideas on how to make Wilmington a better place to live? Now there is a website where you can share ideas and interact with others. The new site makes it easier and more convenient for citizens to provide feedback on important city issues and creates a healthy dialog about the city’s future. The interactive tool provides an online forum to submit and vote on ideas, pictures and comments and provide input that will help shape the future of Wilmington. The site is initially focusing on the city’s long-term plan for growth and development, but will ultimately be used to gather citizen input on a variety of city issues and projects. How it works Citizens can provide input in a number of ways: • Respond to questions • Submit ideas “It is critical today that the city engage with our citizens in a way that is convenient and easy for them,” said the city’s Communications Manager Malissa Talbert. • Review ideas of other citizens “While we will continue to see input in traditional face-to-face settings, we also want to provide an alternative for citizens who may not have time to come to a meeting, or find it more comfortable to provide input in another way. This tool gives us a way to do that,” said Talbert. • Make comments on ideas • Vote on ideas • Take surveys “ t is critical today that the city I engage with our citizens in a way • Submit pictures • Submit videos that is convenient and easy for them. This new tool gives us a What will the city do with your input and ideas? way to do that.” Your feedback will be used to help develop the city’s long-term plan for growth and development, called the Comprehensive Plan. Earlier this year, the city began an 18-month process to develop the plan, which is being developed with extensive citizen participation and input. – Communications Manager  Malissa Talbert Questions/Comments: T 9 1 0 . 3 4 1 . 0 8 3 3 NE WSLE T [email protected]