Broadening Plan Conversations

As of early October 2019, public workshops, small group meetings, focus groups, community surveys, staff interviews, newsletters, interactive activities, pop-up activities, and social media campaigns have increased awareness about the plan and solicited community, stakeholder, and staff feedback. In total, there have been:

Workshops + Small Group Meetings

• 2,400 memories and ideas shared in workshops (including 1,100+ PublicInput. com responses). • 312 workshop participants (twelve workshops total). • 88 public focus group participants (four public focus groups total).

Surveys

• 800 households surveyed through the statistically valid survey. • 412 participants in online survey (four surveys total). • 98 particpants in online draft plan document review

Communication + Outreach

• 5,300 email newsletter recipients. • 9 pop-up events to raise awareness. • 3,300 unique website visits. • 3 press releases and social media campaigns aligned with each public workshop milestone. • Over 1,100 responses were left on the online platform Public Input as of October 9th, 2020.

*reporting household income was optional. 19% of respondents did not provide income

1.18 The Statistically Valid Survey was representative of Mecklenburg County American Community Survey data.

1.19 The team participated in existing meetings early on in the process to gather insights from community members. 1.20 Brainstorming session with Department staff.

1.21 Community members provided insight into the county’s changing character.

1.22 Pre-pandemic meetings allowed the community to share their fears and hopes for the future.

1.24 The new branding approach sought to incorporate already existing symbols and visual identifiers.

34 MeckPlaybook 2021 Master Plan

1.23 Public workshops went virtual after the start of the pandemic.

1.25 Signs in local parks encouraged community feedback. 1.26 Public meetings revealed where the community would like to see additional open space and recreation facilities.

* reporting home zip code was optional. Numbers on map do not reflect the total number of participants

1.27 Central zip codes were the most represented at workshops. Workshop Attendance

0-9 Attendees 10-19 Attendees 20-29 Attendees 30-39 Attendees 40-49 Attendees

Planning during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in March 2020, the Meck Playbook public engagement diverted to online or socially distanced measures. Recreation facilities, poised to be the centers of engagement, were closed to the public. At the same time, parks, trails, and open spaces became some of the safest places to gather and saw a record number of visitors. The pandemic has centered the importance of these spaces for mental, physical, spiritual, and social wellbeing. Since March, the team has adapted engagement efforts to keep everyone healthy and safe.

Virtual and socially distant engagement included:

• 5 email newsletters with plan updates, minipolls, and meeting invitations were sent to 700 recipients. • 4 themed virtual chats for each of the 4 plan principles. • 3 Vision Fest public workshops were held to share principles and goals. • 3 Action Fest public workshops were held to share the team’s big ideas. • 2 fun mini-polls were conducted. • In total, over 250 people participated in these efforts since March, providing over 650 comments and representing 84% of zip codes.