2020.10.14 Council Agenda Item 6

Summary

Update on the Community Vision and Values project. 

A public comment period will be included with this item (3 minutes).

ACTION: Council action is not anticipated.

Description

Updated: October 12, 2020

This project was last discussed by the Council on September 14, 2020 (item 2)

In 2019 the Town Council expressed strong interest in updating the 2013 Comprehensive Plan to lay a solid basis for any future land use decisions. Prior to commencing this work, the Council decided to first undertake a robust public process to identify the Town’s “vision and values” to help inform the comprehensive plan update process. The Town has engaged consultant Future iQ to assist with this effort.

The four phases of work from Future iQ are:

  • Phase 1 - Project Background Research (September-December 2020)
    • Initial planning and schedule
    • Background Research/key data review
    • Benchmark Report (This report will provide an up-to-date community profile in conjunction with nationwide community comparisons across common dimensions)
  • Phase 2 - Future Scenario speculation including focus groups and Think-Tank (October 2020 - March 2021)
    • Community Survey
    • Data visualization platform
    • Future Driver virtual focus groups 
    • Falmouth Future Think-Tank
    • Scenarios of the Future Report
  • Phase 3 - Broader Community Engagement (March -May 2021)
    • Community vision engagement sessions
    • Vision survey, data collection and analysis
    • Future Summit
  • Phase 4 - Final Report (May-June 2021)
    • Draft and finalize Falmouth Community Vision and Values Statement Report
    • Presentation of the Falmouth Community Vision and Values Statement Report

Currently, the following schedule is projected (note: this is subject to change):

  • Mid October 2020: 
    • Launch of project web portal, with support from Town communications platforms, and initial community input opportunities
  • October 14, 2020:
    • Town Council meeting - public comment on initial project planning
  • October 26, 2020: 
    • Town Council meeting - public comment on sample survey questions
  • End October 2020: 
    • Community Survey questions prepared
    • Preparation of Benchmark Report
  • November 9, 2020:
    • Town Council meeting - public comment on final draft survey questions
  • November-December 2020: 
    • Community Survey open to the public (runs for 4 weeks)
  • November-December 2020: 
    • Virtual Future Driver Focus groups held 
  • January 2021
    • Falmouth Future Think Tank held (virtual or in person)

The purpose of this agenda item is to provide regular project updates. Even though no Council action is anticipated, public comment will be taken.

The summary of the project and the consultant's scope of work are attached.