Whatcom County is inviting residents to share information about their experience participating in local decision-making. A short online survey has been posted to gather feedback (click here for link). The survey is part of a larger effort to review the County’s public engagement process and identify areas for improvement.
“We hope to get a sense of how community members want to participate in the decision-making processes of Whatcom County and what we can do that would make the public feel more willing to provide input or engage with County government,” said Jed Holmes, Community Outreach Facilitator for the Whatcom County Executive’s Office.
The effort began earlier this year at the initiative of the Whatcom County Planning Commission, which expressed an interest in enhancing public participation. Whatcom County Council also recognized a need for improvement in this area, and a Public Participation Ad Hoc Committee was set up with collaboration from County staff, Councilmembers, Planning Commissioners, and the Executive’s Office.
The survey will be open through the month of October, and a final report back to County Council is expected before the end of the year.