Sedona AZ–The Sedona Community Plan “Party in a Box” is now ready for interested residents to pick up at the Community Development Department at Sedona City Hall. Sedona is encouraging its citizens to invite a few friends and neighbors to their homes to discuss ideas and envision Sedona in 2020 and beyond.
The Sedona Community Plan “Party in a Box” kit contains a 5-minute introductory DVD, city background information, a city map, and a supply of workbooks that people can use to develop ideas and write their own views. “There will also be some fun stuff in the box,” advised Citizens Steering Committee member Judy Reddington. “We want everyone to enjoy this as a party while they concentrate on this important project.” The party box will include paper, pencils, and even popcorn and balloons to mark the host home.
Two identical programs in May at the Sedona Creative Life Center introduced the public to the planning process, and challenged citizens to envision how Sedona might change for the better. The programs presented videos and slide talks by members and provided attendees with opportunities to share their thoughts.
A June 30, 2011 meeting at the West Sedona School drew more than 100 citizens who broke into facilitated groups to develop ideas and “think outside the box” as to what can be done to assure a good future for Sedonans in the next decades. Following these successful City-wide public programs asking citizens to “Imagine Sedona 2020 and Beyond,” the Citizen Steering Committee and the Long-Range Planning staff will host a series of smaller topic-focused public meetings in September and October 2011.
“This is the fourth update of Sedona’s Community Plan since 1990,” said Steering Committee Chair Jim Eaton. “In the previous updates, the City won two state awards for public involvement and we’re determined to do it again. Actually this project shouldn’t be called an ‘update’ because we want it to be an all-new people’s Plan, easier to use and more accurately reflecting how the public wants to see Sedona in 2020 and beyond. The Council chose to form our volunteer Steering Committee to gain more public input rather than spend tax money on outside consultants. We really have a blue-ribbon group and so far we’ve enjoyed working with a blue-ribbon public.”
To host a “Party in a Box” please call Kathy Levin, Sedona Associate Planner, at 928-203-5035 or email Klevin@sedonaAz.gov.
Mark your calendars to vote in the City of Sedona Special election November 8, 2011
