Co-creating the City’ s future: # IamPSL Citizen Summit continues to grow as model for other cities
The City hosted the annual # IamPSL Citizen Summit on Feb. 6, an event that blends engaging activities with meaningful civic participation, making input fun, accessible and impactful.
Instead of a formal meeting, the summit focuses on projects in the City’ s Strategic Plan through engaging activities, familyfriendly stations and opportunities to speak with City staff in a relaxed setting. Attendees can learn how past input has led to major projects like new parks, waterfront spaces, and infrastructure improvements. The event also features giveaways, refreshments and games, making civic participation enjoyable and accessible. Ultimately, the Citizen Summit helps ensure that City decisions reflect the priorities and needs of the community while fostering a sense of collaboration and pride among residents.
Port St. Lucie was recognized as an All- America City by the National Civic League in 2025, thanks to resident engagement at events like this. This year ' s summit theme, " All-America City," celebrates these achievements with residents. Port St. Lucie is emerging as an exemplary city on a national scale.
The Naturally PSL Team returned to where it all started to show everyone how the City has turned the top priority at the 2023 Citizen Summit— access to nature and green spaces— into actionable projects through the Naturally PSL Green Spaces & Place. s At the booth this year, the team was excited to share successful projects implemented by Conservation Corps volunteers, such as
pollinator garden, invasive plants challenge day and invited new volunteers to join an upcoming green space improvement project at Whispering Pines Neighborhood.
We also are helping to build a model for civic engagement that is being shared with cities from all around the world. Two years ago, the City hosted a team from the City of Columbia, Mo., who replicated the Citizen Summit there. Last year, we hosted teams from the City of Punta Gorda, the City of Lakeland and the Centre for Public Impact, who work with cities from around the world. This year, we hosted Birmingham, Ala., who is looking to bring their version of the Citizen Summit. Special thanks to Shawn Harris and Aquilla Stanback from Birmingham for visiting Port St. Lucie and joining us in a community of practice on improving resident engagement.
The Strategic Initiatives & Innovation Team now is focused on capturing all of the data gathered at the Citizen Summit in the annual Citizen Engagement Report, which will be shared along with the National Community Survey, with City Council as its works on the update to the Strategic Plan.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the next Citizen Summit on Feb. 6, 2027! www. PSLParks. com
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