The city of St. Paul is planning Voices of Our Community input sessions in an attempt to open the culture of city processes and policies away from what’s seen as an insular regulatory model to one that really projects neighborhood needs.
The sessions, to be hosted by the city on a variety of community-oriented topics, are being held to gather neighborhood feedback. Fourteen city workforce departments will use what they learn to drive the city’s strategic plan, set to be released in 2019, as well as aid in the creation of their equity work plans — all in the name of transparency.
“The purpose of these sessions is to hear from our community of residents and business owners,” St. Paul Chief Equity Officer Toni Newborn said. “What should we be prioritizing?”
At sessions held during October and the beginning of November, attendance ranged from four to 60 people, the largest turnout being at a session for equitable economic development.
Additional session topics cover topics like smart government and smart and peaceful neighborhoods, featuring department leaders and city council members.
“We didn’t want to be department focused, but service focused,” Newborn said. “It’s been really helpful to give our department staff a chance to interact with city residents and for our departments to see different viewpoints on the services we provide.”
Newborn said that overall, community members have been honest and direct at the sessions.
“They’re asking why there are so many potholes in certain areas. A group also showed up at one event to lobby for the $15 minimum wage ordinance,” she said. “These are topics based off of how people engage with the city and the services it provides.”