HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 City Link_Springfield Community Outreach AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 11/13/2018
Meeting Type: Work Session
Staff Contact/Dept.: Niel Laudati / Legislative and Public
Affairs Manager
Staff Phone No: 541-726-3700 Estimated Time: 20 Minutes
S P R I N G F I E L D C I T Y C O U N C I L Council Goals: Foster an Environment that Values Diversity and Inclusion ITEM TITLE: CITY LINK: SPRINGFIELD COMMUNITY OUTREACH
ACTION REQUESTED:
Provide direction on a proposed a pilot program that would reach minority
members of the community and provide curriculum that will encourage engagement
in local government.
ISSUE STATEMENT:
City Link: Springfield is a concept that would build a team of community liaisons
made up from underrepresented/minority community members who would be given
the information and tools to better connect their neighbors with local government officials and services. The program would aim to eliminate some of the fear and
confusion which often exists between local government and the minority
community by coordinating structured learning opportunities based on the type of services provided by local government.
The program would be set up as a series of classes with curriculum providing the tools that will help attendees understand and better interact with several aspects of
local government. An initial cohort of 7-12 participants should include minority representation throughout the 6 wards in Springfield.
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Proposed Program Executive Summary Overview
DISCUSSION/ FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
The goals of City Link include: Building a cohort of knowledgeable liaisons within the six wards that make up
Springfield. In this official role, they would serve as connections for minority and
communities who need assistance or have questions but are uncomfortable directly contacting their local government representatives.
Increasing participation by the minority community in city boards, committees and elected positions and increasing positive interactions between the minority community and city officials.
Build long-term partnerships with other cities that would replicate the program. Program timeline:
The program curriculum is under development using input and knowledge of existing city staff and feedback from numerous stakeholder discussions. The
current schedule has the program kicking off in March/April of 2019 and providing
bi-weekly night sessions through June 2019.
Budget:
A minimal budget will be allocated for logistics and curriculum related expenses. Existing city staff members have agreed to present the curriculum.
HELPING
CITIES ENGAGE
MINORITY
LEADERS
NOVEMBER 5, 2018
SPRINGFIELD CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
City Link: Springfield Oregon
Attachment 1, Page 1 of 8
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City Link: Springfield is an innovative program proposed to kick-off in
Springfield, Oregon, that will build a team of community liaisons comprised of
underrepresented/minority community members who would be given the
information and tools to better connect their neighbors with local government
officials and services. These liaisons will then be in a position to strongly compete
for inclusion on boards, commissions and elected office.
The program would:
• Work to eliminate some of the fear and confusion which often exists between
local government and the minority community.
• Provide thoughtful, coordinated and structured learning opportunities for a cohort
of the minority community based on the services provided by local government.
The curriculum will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how government works
with discussion and information on local government.
• An initial cohort of consisting of 7-12 participants will include minority
representation throughout the 6 wards in Springfield.
• Serve as a model for other communities to build community engagement.
Executive Summary
Cities must find innovative ways to engage their
minority and immigrant community - by partnering to
develop future leaders using Springfield as inspiration.
(See Logic Model - Appendix a, page 12)
Attachment 1, Page 2 of 8
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Goals of City Link
.
1. Short-term goals: the cohort will become knowledgeable liaisons within the six wards
that make up Springfield. In this official role, they can serve as connections for the minority
and undocumented communities who need assistance or have questions but are
uncomfortable contacting their local government representatives. The cohort will also have
an opportunity to make several connections within the city - adding to their own network of
community stakeholders.
2. Medium-term goals: include increasing participation by the minority community in city
boards and committees and increasing positive interactions between the minority
community and city officials. The knowledge gained will help the cohort be extremely
competitive for any open positions within government agencies.
Through a proposed partnership with the UNLV College of
Urban Affairs, this innovative program can be replicated in
cities throughout the US.
Table of Contents:
The City Link proposal was shared with the Asian
Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies
Regional Leadership Academy on July 21, 2018 in
Portland, Oregon.
Contents: Page(s)
Executive Summary 2
Goals 3-4
Stakeholders 5
Proposed Timeline 6
Data Collection 6
Replication & Partnerships 7
Conclusion 8
Attachment 1, Page 3 of 8
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3. Long-term goals: includes community members using the information shared
and the potential connections made would help minority members of the community
better compete for elected city council positions.
4. Long-term partnerships: between UNLV and Springfield, Oregon could provide
a unique opportunity to replicate the program in cities around the United States.
The Universtiy of Nevada Las Vegas has the knowledge and current curriculum that
could help make this program successful in other cities - providing another positive
leadership outlet for the University.
Goals of City Link
Initial 6-Month Curriculum
City Leadership/History/Ethics
Finance/Budget/Economic Dev.
Infrastructure/Public Works and Planning
Public Safety - Police/Fire/Criminal Justice
Public Schools/Parks and Transit
- Continued
.
The cohort will work together
through a curriculum based
on city services and
leadership opportunities.
Next Steps/Outreach/Graduation
Attachment 1, Page 4 of 8
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Community Stakeholders
“Many in our community could benefit from a
program like this.”
Paulina Romo Villaseñor
Executive Director
Downtown Languages
“The community wants and needs a program
like City Link. Helping people become
involved at the local level and learning how to
navigate the system is an important and
positive step for the city.”
David Tam - Vice Chair
Oregon Commission on Asian and Pacific
Islander Affairs
“Improving connections within our larger
community is valuable and something I’ve
focused on for many years. This is the type
of program that I would want to participate
in.”
Ashley Espinoza
Latino Professionals Connect
Additional Community Stakeholders
A partial list of stakeholders who have provided input on the program.
Springfield Alliance for Equality and Respect Numerous individual members
Reverend June Fothergill Ebbert United Methodist Church
Allan Benavides General Manager Eugene Emeralds/Monarchas
Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke Asian Pacific American Institute
Chanpone P. Sinlapasai Asian Pacific American Institute Congressional Studies
Sophorn Cheang Director of Diversity – Oregon Governor’s Office
Ina Mounir l'etoffe Fabrics Business Owner and Advocate
Shelley Corteville Veterans For Peace & Egan Warming Center
These Local Government/Partner stakeholders provided input on the program
Christine Lundberg Mayor Springfield, Oregon
Laura Keir Chair Springfield Committee for Diversity and Inclusion
Emily David Director Springfield Library
Sean VanGordon Springfield City Council President
Brenda Wilson Director, Lane Council of Governments
Chris Solaris Community Outreach Officer - Springfield Police
Michael Wargo Superintendent, Willamalane Park and Recreation District
Vonnie Mikkelsen Director, Springfield Chamber of Commerce
Richard Lewis Springfield Police Chief
Gregg Rikhoff Lane County Operations Director
Jenna McCulley Springfield Public Schools
05
What community stakeholders are saying about City Link
Attachment 1, Page 5 of 8
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Proposed Timeline/Schedule
This initial year draft schedule includes several important elements that
are already in progress, including:
1. Identification of Community Participants
2. Budget Discussion and Development
3. Curriculum Development
4. Advertising and Recruitment
Data Collection:
Detailed surveys will be used throughout the program to measure:
1. Quality of the information, curriculum, and presenters
2. Potential changes and improvements to the program
3. Number of people attending throughout the program
When complete, the following data measurement is planned:
1. Touchpoints that liaisons have with the community
2. Increase in number running for City Council/Boards and Commissions
3. General increase in leadership positions held by members of the cohort
Attachment 1, Page 6 of 8
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=
A Future of Partnerships:
The Greenspun College of Urban Affairs develops solutions for progressive and
resilient cities, a 21st-century academic interdisciplinary college designed to
develop unique solutions for today’s complex, dynamic, and exciting urban
environment. The work that will be accomplished through the City Link program is
the type of work and applied elements that the UNLV College of Urban Affairs is
already doing with existing curriculum.
Cities often are challenged to put knowledge into practice because they don't have
access to the latest and most relevant evidence or examples of best practices.
City departments can often be siloed, preventing creative approaches. Cities, in
general, must function in a risk-averse atmosphere which can often prevent
creative problem-solving.
The college and the Urban Leadership Program are in a perfect position to
take City Link to other communities that are working on innovative solutions for
engaging their minority populations.
Students working in public policy and focused on the latest best practices
would be incredible ambassadors and champions to introduce this program –
they are energized, safe and positively developing their skills.
Students tend to be motivated to make a positive change in a way that a
paid consultant may not be. They can be encouraged to take risks in their
thinking and to innovate.
They can expand on the questions we’ve already started to ask and find
increasingly more innovative ways to deliver this program.
Attachment 1, Page 7 of 8
The City Link program is being developed to promote open and
transparent government, to provide a tool for minority community
members to have a seat at their local government table and in the
process build trust throughout the community.
The program builds a curriculum based on what cities do well and
provides a structured outlet to share that knowledge with the
community. Within a year of starting the program, a cohort of liaisons
should be in the community, sharing their knowledge and improving the
lives of their neighbors.
City Link can also serve as an opportunity for minority leaders in the
cohorts to serve on board and commissions and help them become
competitive candidates for future elected positions.
The university's role in replicating the program is important and will be
vital to building a legacy for this project.
Conclusion and Moving Forward:
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Attachment 1, Page 8 of 8