Staff outlines general-plan update: workshops, focus group, website launch expected

At the start of the work-study session, staff provided an update on the town's general plan update, summarizing public engagement to date and next steps.

Les, the project lead in the presentation, said the public participation plan and a general-plan focus group are in place and that the town held its first community workshop on May 27. "There were about 50 residents in attendance," Les said, describing an interactive workshop with hands-on exercises that helped staff learn what residents value for roads, green space, public buildings and housing types.

Les said branding for the update is largely complete and that the project website should launch within one to two weeks. A second focus-group meeting occurred June 1; staff is targeting the second community workshop for late August and invited commissioners to participate where schedules permit. Staff emphasized the importance of youth engagement and said the outreach program includes mobile studio events and digital engagement to reach a broader audience.

Commissioners asked whether the upcoming workshop will mirror the May 27 session and whether it is useful for commissioners to attend; Les replied the format and agenda will differ but said commissioner attendance is beneficial and voluntary. Staff also noted that meetings are posted to avoid open-meeting violations even if multiple commissioners attend some public-engagement events.

The presentation was informational; no action was taken.