If you pay
attention to what COMPASS is up to, you have likely seen us ask for the public to
weigh in on planning decisions. I hope you have taken the time to submit
comments or participate in events relating to issues important to you.
The work that
COMPASS does affects every resident of Ada and Canyon Counties; therefore, we
strive to involve all residents in our planning efforts. Depending on
circumstances, that participation may range from being an active participant
throughout a planning process, such as serving on a workgroup, to submitting
comments on a draft plan.
Our processes
for reaching out to you are guided by a Public Participation Plan. The purpose
of that plan is two-fold:
1.
To
help you, COMPASS
stakeholders and the general public, know what to expect from COMPASS when we
conduct public outreach. The Public Participation Plan describes when we
solicit public participation, how we promote opportunities for public comment,
how we use your comments, and more.
2.
To
help COMPASS staff
ensure we are consistently meeting, and whenever possible, exceeding, all expectations and requirements for public
participation to ensure area residents have ample opportunities to have their
say in plans and projects that affect them.
The Public
Participation Plan outlines required and optional outreach elements to request
and encourage participation on different types of plans and projects. These elements
provide a base from which to build, while allowing COMPASS staff the
flexibility to assess each situation individually and use additional, creative
outreach elements as they are appropriate for the plan or project.
The Public
Participation Plan is part of a larger Integrated
Communication Plan. The goal of the COMPASS Integrated Communication Plan is to ensure that all COMPASS
communication strategies support public participation efforts.
We are in the
process of updating our Integrated Communication
Plan, and would like your feedback on the draft update – particularly the Public
Participation Plan portion. I encourage you to take a few minutes to review the
plan and let us know what you think.
Visit www.compassidaho.org/comm/comments.htm to review the plan and submit your
comments online. You will also find a list of libraries and other public buildings in the two county area
where you can review a hard copy of the plan.
And, of course, you are always
welcome to stop by the COMPASS office to pick up a copy, or request one be sent
to you in the mail. Contact COMPASS at 208/475-2229 or aluft@compassidaho.org for assistance or with questions.
Comments will
be accepted through 11:59 pm, Sunday, June 17, 2018.
