Public engagement in Lyons

By Hollie Rogin, Mayor of Lyons Redstone Review

LYONS – In every local government, and especially in Lyons, public engagement is a crucial aspect of how town decisions get made. It fosters transparency and accountability, and your Trustees can gain a much deeper understanding of the desires and concerns of the whole community. We can then use that information to inform our policy decisions and priorities.

After the closure of the weekly printed newspaper, and in conjunction with pandemic restrictions on gathering, it seems like (anecdotally at least) it can take more of an effort to learn about what the town board is discussing and deciding.

Rogin

During the comprehensive plan process, there was considerable input from a wide variety of people, and that means that the newly adopted comprehensive plan reflects the wishes and goals of our community. This is great news. Now, let’s keep that engagement going so that we’re sure we continue to hear everyone’s voice.

I understand that it’s sometimes difficult and can be time-consuming to keep tabs on everything happening at Lyons Town Hall. Not everyone has the time or inclination to read posted agendas and packets or to speak during the public comment portion of our meetings. I also understand that you still very much care about the issues that affect all of us.

To that end, your Lyons Board of Trustees wants to know how you want to be communicated with and engaged. My professional background is in marketing and communications, and one of the basic tenants of good communication is meeting people where they are with messages that matter to them.

Currently, the town uses the monthly utility bill and e-blast emails as main communication mechanisms. You can still Zoom into board meetings to watch and participate, and you can also watch them live and recorded on the town’s YouTube channel.

In addition, we are considering the following ideas:

• A monthly “Tea with Trustees,” where two trustees make themselves available to chat at a coffee shop or restaurant on a weekend afternoon for a few hours.

• More posting on social media, including meeting agendas and meeting outcomes,

• A twice-yearly Town Hall, possibly in conjunction with other elected officials, and

• More regular online surveys.

Please know that you can always email individual Trustees (myself included.) We do read every email we receive. My email address is mayor@townoflyons.com, and other trustee email addresses can be found at townoflyons.com/183/Board-of-Trustees.

All emails sent to and from Trustees are subject to open records laws and are considered public information.

So, let us know what you think. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

Hollie

April 18, 2022. Before that she was elected to serve on the Board of Trustees for the term of 2020 – 2022. In 2015, Hollie created the foundation for what is now the City of Boulder’s Commercial Affordability program on a pro bono basis. While serving as a Trustee, she was the Board liaison to the Economic Vitality Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission.