Item 2A: Approval of City Council Minutes

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NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT - DEVELOPING GOALS THE EVIDENCE THERE IS A LACK OF NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT IN THE COMMUNITY Neighborhoods do not have identities ~where each one is special and unique. There is no neighborhood feel or pride. We continue to hear the same concerns from neighborhoods, year after year, at Budget Committee and through Mayor and council emails. It is the same people with the same issues. Neighborhood associations have had the same officers for years. Some neighborhoods do not have active neighborhood associations or there is a lack of participation in active neighborhood associations. There are inactive neighborhood associations or no associations in some neighborhoods. Some associations see a lack of attendance. There is insufficient attendance at neighborhood meetings. Neighborhood association meetings are attended by only a handful of neighborhood residents. There is a lack of knowledge by neighborhood associations about land use rules. Neighbors don’t know what is going on. Residents of neighborhoods don’t know what is happening in the neighborhood. Neighborhood associations are not engaged in or aware of applications for permits in neighborhoods. Neighborhood associations don’t support City-initiated projects because they were not engaged in the best ways. People fight decisions more than plan for their future. There is always contentiousness and legal issues. Neighborhoods feel powerless to effect development in their neighborhoods that effects livability. Not all neighborhood associations come to council to express their positions on issues. Priorities are not driven by neighborhoods. Neighborhood associations do not feel they impact City policies that directly impact their neighborhoods. There is a lack of follow-up on the neighborhood summit. There is a lack of refinement plans or incompatible development. There is a lack of funding for neighborhoods and neighborhood associations. There is a lack of money for newsletters and also a lack of staff assistance or interest. THE EVIDENCE THAT NEIGHBORHOODS ARE EMPOWERED IN THE COMMUNITY Participation increases as the community starts to trust that the council and staff make decisions collaboratively. As a result there are fewer conflicts. Neighborhoods have identities. Neighborhoods impact development plans so they enhance neighborhood livability. There is time left for visiting and refreshment after a formal meeting. There is more attendance at neighborhood meetings and more active neighborhood associations. Associations are active with vibrant full meetings and the meetings cover a broad range of topics. Every neighborhood association is active. Every neighborhood has an active neighborhood association with participation by a broad and significant number of neighborhood residents. Neighborhood priorities are known and in-line with policies. City policies are in alignment with neighborhood priorities. Neighborhood associations are aware of and decide whether to comment on all MINUTES—Eugene City Council February 6-7, 2009 Page 11 Goals Setting Session