You may not spend much time thinking about the City but every day we are thinking about you. Whether it’s big questions like the future of transportation or affordable housing, or smaller but important issues like parking meters or a heritage house on your block, we want to hear from you.
Getting involved doesn’t need to take a lot of time. Like resolving to get more fit, getting into the habit of being engaged can start with a relatively modest amount of time.
One simple way to start is monitoring social media sites and web feeds for the city departments that interest you. You can find a full list of City departments on social media at http://vancouver.ca/socialmedia.htm and web feeds at http://data.vancouver.ca/cityFeeds.htm
On the larger projects and proposals, the city sets up stand-alone web sites where you can learn more, get engaged online or learn about meetings you can attend in person. If you visit http://talkvancouver.com/ you’ll see current consultations on the 2012 operating budget and the 2040 Transportation Plan. Plus by registering with talkvancouver
you’ll be notified of new major policy proposals and consultations.
In addition to looking for feedback on existing proposal, the City is always interested in getting residents together to develop new policy proposals that meet modern community needs and solve problems. There are 23 civic agencies and advisory bodies open to the general public, of which 17 are currently seeking new applicants.
These range from agencies like the Vancouver Public Library which are responsible for running the city’s libraries to advisory committees like the Seniors Advisory Committee that offer policy advice on seniors issues directly to City Council and city staff.
Not sure if an advisory committee is right for you? On January 16 and 19 there will be information sessions at City Hall.
If you are sure, then take the plunge and sign up today! The application is at http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/civicagencies/apply.htm. Note that the deadline for applying for the current vacancies is January 22.
There are so many more ways to get involved (like coming to Council meetings - check out the agendas online!) but I’m hoping that list gets you started on your resolution to be more engaged with City Hall 2012.
Andrea
PS - A new neighbourhood planning process has started in the Downtown Eastside and others are about to get underway in Marpole, West End and Grandview-Woodlands. Stay turned!
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