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RESOLUTION NO. 51 OF 2013
Salt Lake City Public Engagement Policy
WHEREAS, people who are affected by or interested in a public policy issue should be able to meaningfully influence the process and decisions related to that issue; and
WHEREAS, public engagement should not be limited to one topic of discussion but should broaden public participation and empower groups of interested people to be active in the feedback loop, problem-identification, problem-solving, and joint decision making; and
WHEREAS, the City’s public engagement process should, over time, result in a relationship between the City and the public which is maintained and improved by, among other things, increasing the public’s involvement and awareness of issues throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, the public is better served when engagement occurs as early and as frequently as possible; and
WHEREAS, the City Council’s policy input also should be included early in the process so it can be incorporated into broad community outreach efforts; and
WHEREAS, public input regarding City issues is always welcome and should be incorporated throughout an issue’s timeline, up to and including, public hearings on the issue; and
WHEREAS, the City has demonstrated a strong commitment to transparency in government.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah as follows:
1. The City will move forward with the hiring of a new Civic Engagement position as funded in the 2013-14 budget, with the understanding that the position will:
a. Focus on an overall goal of building a relationship with the public, empowering the community to be involved in a meaningful way, and increase the culture of engagement in the City.
b. Expand the City’s engagement efforts across the board, with some deeper efforts on a few issues if the need arises.
c. Develop strategies, implement new tools, and try new creative things to achieve the City’s engagement goals.
2. The City will embrace the Salt Lake City Public Engagement Guide as the framework for future engagement efforts.
3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah, this 15th day of October, 2013.