Weekly Report – February 2, 2024

City Council creates a new City Council Committee

For background, Council committees are policy review and discussion arms of the city council that have been created to assist the council in examining issues that may come before it in greater depth and detail. Committees study issues and develop recommendations for consideration by the council. Committees do not take binding action on behalf of the city.

In Normandy Park, Committees consist of three council members who meet to assist in the policymaking process. Our existing committees are Communication, Finance, Public Safety (COPS), City Manager, Economic Development, and a new committee called Community Experience & Engagement. 

This new committee will be responsible for the topics that increase civic participation and broader community connections. This committee provides the City Council with advice, guidance, and recommendations regarding community involvement plans, focusing on implementing more engagement strategies and identifying new ways to increase civic participation. Examples of ways this will be accomplished:

• Promoting and providing two-way dialogue with residents.
• Help in navigating community challenges and opportunities.
• Increase civic participation.
• Improve the resident experience.

One of the first items that the Community Experience & Engagement Committee wants to focus on is establishing quarterly Town Halls. This will provide an excellent opportunity for that two-way dialogue that is so important to the City Council. An announcement of the first Town Hall should be coming soon.

Planning for a Future in the Parks: Take the next PROS Plan Project Prioritization Survey

Now is your time to help determine the capital improvements you want to occur over the next six to ten years in our parks. We have an open survey where you can drag and drop your top 5 preferred projects. All these projects were developed by you, the residents, and visitors of Normandy Park during the last ‘Project Prioritization Survey.’ Take the survey now!

Please be aware that your preferences will be considered to guide potential implementation. However, it’s important to note that the decisions made by the City of Normandy Park will be influenced by various factors, including but not limited to available grant funding, considerations of safety and risk, staffing constraints, and priority issues such as damage to our parks and trails caused by storms and other means. We recommend you access this survey with a laptop or desktop with a larger screen to enjoy the best experience.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with me at aarrington@normandyparkwa.gov. Have a great week!

“One of the first items that the Community Experience & Engagement Committee wants to focus on is establishing quarterly Town Halls. This will provide an excellent opportunity for that two-way dialogue that is so important to the City Council…”