Item A: Boards and Commissions - Laserfiche WebLink

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Issue: Work Plans & Alignment Advisory groups provide a valuable way for community members to influence City policies and practices. While annual reports and work plans offer one way for standing advisory committees to check in with council on their direction and approach, the feedback loop may not always support full and timely consideration of issues and concerns. The October 2010 Neighborhood Summit focused on issues of advocacy, outreach and representation, and what it means to be in an advisory role to City decision makers. These are ongoing themes for boards and commissions. Preserving the diverse voices advisory groups can offer while strengthening their alignment with council goals takes smart structures and processes, open communications, and ongoing member development and education. Issue: Training and Development As part of a commitment to building skills and capacity among advisory group members, a number of opportunities have occurred and are planned. Collaboration across advisory groups and neighborhood associations also is a priority. This work includes: a.Advisory group general orientation – Two sessions were offered in January 2010, and expanded to include neighborhood leaders; one session also was open to the public. City staff, including the City Attorney, provided information about the City budget process, Oregon Public Records and Open Meetings laws, meeting facilitation, and working with the media. This general orientation, which is offered every year or two, supplements specific orientations offered for each advisory group. b.Neighborhood leaders training - This recurring training expanded to include interested advisory group members, on a space-available basis, and it covers roles and responsibilities of a formally- recognized neighborhood association, and provides information about City departments and the many services provided, important resources available to help neighborhoods organize themselves and accomplish great things. c.Neighborhood Summit – The annual summit provides a forum for discussion among neighborhood leaders and future leaders, advisory group members, elected officials and City staff on critical issues. d.Best practices training - Set for November 6, this will provide in-depth training to neighborhood leaders and advisory group members to increase effectiveness, including member participation, outreach and effective decision-making processes. e.The Diversity and Equity Strategic Plan also includes an action item to develop and begin offering free trainings for community members on City services and processes, beginning in FY11. RELATED CITY POLICIES This item relates to the City Council goals of Effective, Accountable Municipal Government: a government that works openly, collaboratively, and fairly with the community to achieve measurable and positive outcomes and a Safe Community: a community in which everyone feels safe, valued and welcome. In addition, the council in 2007 adopted an action plan recommended by the Council Committee on Race: Enhance outreach efforts to our communities of color to increase racial and ethnic diversity on City boards and commissions. Z:\CMO\2010 Council Agendas\M101020\S101020A.doc