Wake Forest launches new online citizen engagement platform, residents invited to offer opinions on future parks & recreation facilities
The Town of Wake Forest is pleased to announce the relaunch of “Engage Wake Forest” - a comprehensive community engagement platform where citizens can engage, collaborate, and provide feedback on Town programs and initiatives. Developed by Bang the Table, the site is available at https://engagewakeforest.org/.
The goal of Engage Wake Forest is to encourage area residents to learn about Town initiatives, ask questions, and participate in the planning process for a variety of projects. Along the way, the Town will post surveys, polls, and forums to generate new ideas and solicit feedback.
The interactive platform allows Wake Forest to communicate important messages without the distraction of off-topic or uncivil comments, said Communications & Public Affairs Director Bill Crabtree.
“Through Engage Wake Forest, we can share information and solicit citizen input without having an open, public debate whenever someone wants to complain for the sake of complaining,” Crabtree said. “Engage Wake Forest is intended for residents who care about our community and its future - and have constructive comments to share.”
The new platform provides information about Town projects, studies, construction updates and other programs or activities that include a public-input process. The tool is easy to use and offers a variety of ways to encourage conversations among participants and Town staff.
The first online discussion invites residents to share their thoughts and opinions concerning parks and recreation facilities needed most in Wake Forest. Future parks and recreation facilities are included in the Town’s annual Capital Improvements Plan (CIP), but Town officials want to hear from residents as to those needed most.
A five-year plan identifying the Town’s capital outlay and improvement needs, the CIP 1) reflects the Town’s policy regarding future physical and economic development; 2) provides a planned schedule of public improvements; and 3), outlines present and future needs and priorities. Public input is a significant part of the CIP and annual budgeting process.
Crabtree says Engage Wake Forest does not replace traditional outreach and public engagement efforts but rather is an added opportunity for public participation.
“Public input is a very important part of our decision-making, and providing an online platform for meaningful conversations takes that public participation to another level,” he said.
The Town originally launched “Engage Wake Forest” in September 2014. To learn more, contact Communications & Public Affairs Director Bill Crabtree at 919-435-9421 or [email protected].