City and Community Member Communications Review

"We are constantly working at improving, defining, and refining methods for public input." - Mayor Becker in his 2010 State of the City address.

Overview

Salt Lake Solutions has been coordinating the administration's review of how the City provides information and receives feedback. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the City's process to engage the public in City decision making to ensure reasoned, fully informed decisions.

We have conducted over 50 interviews and a small group discussion with a diverse group of people representing all different areas of the community, including those involved in neighborhood based organizations and businesses. Through these discussions and interviews, the City has learned a lot about its current approach and has collected many ideas about how the current approach could be improved. The summary of what we heard in the interviews and small group discussion reflects a broad range of perspectives and opinions.

We have also conducted a web-based survey regarding our communication methods and received responses from citizens all over Salt Lake City. The survey is now closed, but you can view the survey and survey results by clicking the links at the left.

Finally, the City has looked at the communication methods of other cities in an effort to learn more about potential solutions to the issues and concerns raised. This knowledge will help the City and community in the review process, and the information gathered has been compiled into a chart for your reference.

Next Steps

With a greater understanding of the issues and concerns about the City's communication efforts, the City is now reviewing suggestions to address these issues.

The City has already implemented some of the suggestions provided, starting with changes in the ways the Mayor's Office community liaisons connect with the community and non-profit organizations. Information from the web-based survey and interviews was used to redesign the City's website to make it easier to navigate and find what you're looking for. The City has developed a centralized public events calendar, to ensure that multiple public engagement activities are not scheduled for the same date and time.

There are many other options for improvement under consideration, including training options and educational material to help community members better participate in and understand the City's decision-making process. We are piloting an on-line public comment process (Open City Hall) for the Yalecrest Neighborhood Character Overlay District.

As always, the Administration is committed to continue to provide updates to all involved parties as this review progresses.