Discussion:
The Center for Prevention, a department of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota focused on public health initiatives, has an open RFP for its "Active Place Demonstration Project" (APDP). The initiative funds temporary, low-cost projects that help community members influence long-term community changes. Projects must contribute to a long-term goal of making a community more accessible to any type of physical activity, including walking and biking. The initiative allows for two distinct types of Active Places projects – community engagement projects and demonstration projects. Staff proposes an application for a community engagement project related to the comprehensive plan to supplement and expand engagement plans.
As the long-term visioning document, the comp plan is a fantastic opportunity for residents and businesses to influence long-term community changes. The city has already heard from stakeholders that access to facilities that promote active living – trails, sidewalks, connections to the river, connections to Huber Park, and conservation of nature and open space - are important. Blue Cross also considers creating interesting, vibrant and safe spaces to be critical to the encouragement of active living. This could include many of the discussions to improve vibrancy in the downtown.
Staff’s proposal includes funding of a variety of engagement activities. This includes:
- Workshop series: using maps and arts and crafts materials, staff would work with small groups to discuss opportunities for improvement and identify community assets. People could also be encouraged to design their vision for the city. The workshop is an inviting and fun activity that encourages discussion in a hands-on manner.
- Public presence at community events: staff proposes a “meeting in a box” in which a public open house is brought to where people are gathering, whether it be a community meeting, a community event or festival, a retail location, parks or community center, or following a faith service.
- Photovoice: this is an engagement tool that utilizes photography as a means for people to share their feedback. For example, participants could be encouraged to take photographs of what they like about the community, what they don’t like, and where they see opportunities. Photographs can then be displayed, a dialogue hosted, and issues analyzed and included in the comp plan. This project could be a great way to engage youth.
- Community chalkboards: community feedback would be sought via publicly displayed chalkboards asking questions such as “What is your vision for Shakopee?” This provides another opportunity to engage people where they are gathering but in a manner that does not require constant staffing.
- Food: often critical to increasing engagement and participation is offering food
- Partner stipends: the funding opportunity encourages multi-partner collaboration and the use of partner stipends. The funding would provide a small amount to a group of community organizations to compensate for their involvement. Partners would be asked to help facilitate events and to help spread the word to their members/clients. This is also a great way to build authentic relationships with community partners.