2021.08.13--Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 20--Special Vision & Values Issue

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Welcome to our third Vision & Values dedicated special issue of The Falmouth Focus. This new newsletter will run every other Friday (in between regular editions of The Falmouth Focus) and focus exclusively on Falmouth's Vision & Values project.

In this edition of the newsletter, we are launching several upcoming Vision & Values events that will occur between September 13 and September 25, including Neighborhood Gatherings, Focus Groups, and a Think Tank. In addition, we are pleased to share ten online discussion boards that correlate directly with the Focus Group sessions and have been posted to the project portal. The project is now really gaining momentum and we need your input. Please join us!

In This Issue

• Discussion Boards
• Meetings
  • Neighborhood Gatherings
  • Focus Groups
  • Think Tank
• Learn More
• About Future iQ

Please note the hyper links above to sections within this document may not be supported by all browser platforms. 

Join the Discussion Today!

Discussion Boards are now open on the project portal at https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/focus-groups/overview/. These discussion boards topics directly correlate with the Focus Group sessions. These topics include:

• Topic #1 Residential development 
• Topic #2 Non-residential development and future Town Center
• Topic #3 Housing affordability
• Topic #4 Shared community areas, green and open spaces
• Topic #5 Connectivity, walkability, and recreation
• Topic #6 Community diversity, inclusivity, and resident experience
• Topic #7 Lifelong community learning opportunities and our school system
• Topic #8 Environmental focus
• Topic #9 Governance and collaboration
• Topic #10 Cost of living in Falmouth

Residents can review in-depth background information on the complexities of each Focus Group topic, provide their feedback on the subject, engage with neighbors on these issues, and sign up for one or more of the Focus Groups being held in September. We welcome your input now!

A note about in-person meetings: Despite the recent uncertainties associated with the uptick of COVID cases in Maine and the rise of variant strains, we are currently moving forward with a plan to hold in-person meetings in September. We will continue to monitor the situation and to make adjustments as necessary, including the possibility of moving to virtual meetings. Updates will be provided via this newsletter, the Vision & Values Portal, the Town website, News & Announcements E-Alerts, The Falmouth Focus, and social media.

Neighborhood Gatherings

We are holding three Neighborhood Gatherings on September 13, 14, and 15. These are informal get-togethers and will provide residents with a chance to meet the team from Future iQ, and to speak more generally about the Vision & Values project and the future of the community. Read more about the Neighborhood Gatherings and sign up at:  https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/current-engagement/neighborhood-gatherings-sep-2021/

Focus Group Sessions

A key component of the Vision & Values project is the Focus Group sessions which will be held September 18-23. This is a chance for residents to take a deep dive into specific, often complex, topics regarding Falmouth’s vision for its future. In the Focus Group sessions, attendees will receive an overview of the topic and macro trends that could impact Falmouth, as well as the trade-offs involved in choosing one path over another. Small group discussions will allow residents to hear from their neighbors and give their own input on these issues. Check out the Focus Group session topics above, check where and when the focus group sessions are taking place, which one/s you wish to attend, and sign up at: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/focus-groups/overview/.

Sign up online for the Focus Group sessions that interest you. Online registration is preferred, or call 207-699-5329. Registration is requested to gauge attendance numbers and plan accordingly.

Don't Miss the Think Tank

The Think Tank is a highly participatory workshop where we take all that we have learned from the Community Survey, Discussion Boards, Neighborhood Gatherings, and Focus Group sessions and pull it together into what Future iQ calls “future splitting questions,” which explore the impacts and consequences of a range of different future paths. Here possible scenarios for Falmouth’s future are examined and discussed as participants gather in small groups to really drill down on what they envision for Falmouth’s future and what ramifications, realities, and trade-offs will occur as a result of those choices. This is a crucial part of the Vision & Values process and we highly encourage residents to attend. The Vision & Values Think-Tank will be held at the Falmouth High School Theater on Saturday, September 25, from 8:30am – 12:30pm. Learn more and sign up at: https://lab2.future-iq.com/town-of-falmouth-vision-and-values-project/think-tank/overview/

At the August 9 Town Council meeting, Future iQ CEO David Beurle presented an overview of the next phase of engagement, including the online Discussion Boards and upcoming meetings in September.  He also provided a walk-though of the newly updated project portal with tips on navigating the discussion boards and signing up for Focus Groups, Neighborhood Gatherings, and the Think Tank.  Watch the video at:  https://play.champds.com/falmouthme/event/2201

Future iQ has been contracted by the Town of Falmouth to conduct the Town of Falmouth Vision and Values process. You can learn more about David Beurle, CEO of Future iQ, who is leading the process with assistance from the Future iQ team, or Future iQ by visiting the website www.future-iq.com.