Process matters: COMPASS is looking for your feedback into our public participation processes

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.