City council could be hosting two town hall events each year as part of a staff suggestion to enhance public engagement.
In a report going to council on Monday, Oct. 21, Eric Depeneau, director of administrative services, lays out the proposed plan for the twice-annual meetings.
A town hall event held each fall will serve as a platform for budget engagement. Then, city staff would organize an in-person session each spring, with the topic and format tailored to current issues of significance within the community.
Historically, the city has hosted town hall events primarily focused on the annual budget, and the proposed plan seeks to expand this format to include broader topics relevant to the community. Staff suggest that the spring event may adopt various interactive formats, such as smaller group discussions or brainstorming sessions, to gather diverse a mix of input from attendees.
This proposal follows a July 22 council motion that directed staff to develop a plan for regular town hall events to foster two-way communication between residents and local government. Depeneau notes that the city’s communications policy emphasizes the importance of public participation.
“Public engagement is essential for building trust and understanding in our community,” wrote Depenau. “These town halls will provide valuable opportunities for residents to voice their concerns and contribute to important discussions.”
An additional $25,000 will be requested for the communications division budget to support these initiatives, the report states. This would cover the costs of advertising, venue rental and facilitation.
A staffing proposal to enhance communication resources has also been submitted for consideration in the 2025 budget process.
Council will meet Monday, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.
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