RESOLUTION NO. 230126
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Sponsor: Councilmember Melissa Robinson
RESOLUTION - Directing the City Manager to develop and implement community engagement policies, processes, and procedures for significant infrastructure plans and projects in Kansas City; and to report back to the City Council the City’s community engagement policies, processes, and procedures within sixty (60) days.
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WHEREAS, the City has installed bicycle lanes on Truman Road without the proper community engagement which created animosity and distrust of city government; and
WHEREAS, creating healthy, thriving, equitable communities requires engaged community stakeholders, residents, businesses, organizations, and institutions; and engagement enables people to have a greater say in the planning, design and implementation of their community; and
WHEREAS, the City aims to provide services and solutions that are better suited to people’s needs and the City recognizes when people are allowed to have input into decisions that affect their lives, they are more committed and empowered to get involved in the hard work of making their community better after the planning process ends; and
WHEREAS, the City acknowledges that Public engagement builds community connections, increases an individual’s or organization’s skills to influence change, and helps individuals and organizations see their role in our mission to deliver quality, customer-focused municipal services with an emphasis on public safety, neighborhood livability, job creation, responsible planning for economic growth, infrastructure improvements, transportation systems, public health, and the environment; and
WHEREAS, the public engagement process should provide a timely framework for the notification and meeting process for nearby property owners and registered neighborhood/civic organizations to provide information and answer questions and hear any concerns about the significant infrastructure plan or project which may impact the area; and
WHEREAS, a definition of “community engagement” and the expectations as it relates to public engagement for certain types of significant infrastructure plans or projects shall be included in the policies, processes, and procedures; and
WHEREAS, collaboration with and support from neighborhood associations and residents is a critical step prior to city council approval of significant infrastructure plans and projects in Kansas City; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That the City Manager is hereby directed to develop and implement community engagement policies, processes, and procedures for significant infrastructure plans and projects in Kansas City.
Section 2. That the City Manager is hereby directed to report back to the City Council the City’s proposed community engagement policies, processes, and procedures within sixty (60) days of the passage of this resolution.
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