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Council debates scope and messaging of 'Blueprint for Innovation' survey as outreach begins
Summary
Mayor Barnett introduced "Blueprint for Innovation," a joint set of strategic surveys on parks, transportation and stewardship open through Aug. 31; councilmembers discussed outreach methods, how results should be framed to avoid false expectations (examples: aquatic center), and requested clearer survey instructions and wider distribution.
Mayor Barnett briefed the council on Blueprint for Innovation, a new integrated public-engagement effort combining the parks and recreation master plan, transportation master plan, safe-streets initiative and stewardship master plan. The mayor said a survey and an online mapper are available through Aug. 31 and invited residents to provide input to inform priorities and budget planning.
Councilmembers debated survey framing and outreach. Vice President Mangioli and Councilmember Menino pressed for clear instructions and diverse outreach methods (mailers, social media, neighborhood meetings) so residents understand responses are input rather than guaranteed commitments. The conversation included whether to ask about large items such as an aquatic center; Mayor Barnett and other council members said collecting wide input is appropriate even if some projects may not be feasible without future funding.
Council requested staff provide more details on outreach channels and to include clearer contextual language in the survey; the mayor offered to follow up by email with the council and staff agreed to post links, include a mapper and provide additional communication.
