Columbia Vision Commission

July 30, 2008

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Overview

n Vision and Visioning Summary

n Columbia Vision Commission

n Collaborative Governance

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Visionand

Visioning Summary

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Vision Summary

n A connected, informed, engaged community.

n No “us versus them.”

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Visioning Summaryn Maximize public involvement so that all community members, including

minorities, low-income, youth, and traditionally underrepresented groups can getinvolved in a meaningful way.

n Develop a process that is positive in focus, safe, creative, and fun so that differences and tensions that exist in the community today can be bridged and shared common values can be discovered.

n Ensure that the vision is truly community-driven so that all key decisions about the future of Columbia are arrived at through constructive city-wide dialogue.

n Involve key institutions (such as the City and County, institutions of higher education, the printed and electronic media, the business community, and individual property owners and developers) to encourage intergovernmental and public-private collaboration at city, county, and regional levels.

q From the Vision Plan, Pages 1 and 2

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ColumbiaVision

Commission

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What is it?

n A key part of the implementation framework adopted in the final report

n Separate from yet monitors progress of the implementation plan

n Coordinates with implementation boards, commissions, and community groups

n Guided by principles of, inclusiveness, transparency, and openness

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Why?

n Ensure progressn Ensure and expand ongoing public involvementn Promote ongoing dialoguen Harvest datan Promote efficiency

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Elected Officials

Public SectorTrackWatchReportReflectEngageEducateRecommend...

Not Implement

Citizens

Private Sector

July 2008- Draft Concept ©2008 The Communications Center, Inc.

Who?n Joint commissionn Diverse groupsn Include citizens active in visioning

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Liaison Membersx membersAs Needed

Resource Members3-5 membersQuarterly

Coordinating Committee5 to 7 membersMonthly

Collaborative Governance

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2 Views...Government Proposes

Citizen Opposes

OR...

Government: EducatesEquipsEmpowersInvites

Citizens:UnderstandEngageAssistSupport

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2 Views...

Government: EducatesEquipsEmpowersInvites

Citizens:UnderstandEngageAssistSupport

Democracy does not give The people the most skillful government, but it produces what the ablest governments are frequently unable to create, namely an all-pervading and restless activity, a super-abundant force, and an energy which is inseparable from it and which may, however unfavorable circumstances may be, produce wonders. These are the true advantages of democracy.

Alexis de Tocqueville

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Examples of Citizen Engagement

Columbia Vision Commission

nWho will serve?

Final Thought

I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.

Abraham Lincoln

©2008 The Communications Center, Inc.