Resolution 14668CITY OF ALAMEDA RESOLUTION NO. 14668
ADOPTING A POLICY FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
WHEREAS, it is the City of Alameda's goal to promote and facilitate safe
and intellectually vibrant opportunities for public participation; and
WHEREAS, meaningful public participation is essential to local democracy;
and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the policy is to assure City Hall consistently
engages the public; and
WHEREAS, the principles established by this policy reflect the values of
City Hall.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Alameda adopts the Public Participation Policy attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and
incorporated herein by reference.
EXHIBIT A
City of Alameda Public Participation Policy
The City of Alameda is committed to promoting and facilitating safe and
intellectually vibrant opportunities for meaningful public participation so Alamedans
can be involved in the process of decision- making for the issues people deem
important. City Hall will follow the following principles when engaging the public:
1. Careful Planning and Preparation
Through adequate and inclusive planning, ensure that the design, organization,
and convening of the process serve both a clearly defined purpose and the needs
of the participants. Always involve the public early in the process.
2. Inclusion and Demographic Diversity
Equitably incorporate diverse people, voices, ideas, and information to lay the
groundwork for quality outcomes and democratic legitimacy.
3. Collaboration and Shared Purpose
Support and encourage participants, government and community institutions, and
others to work together to advance the common good.
4. Openness and Learning
Help all involved listen to each other, explore new ideas unconstrained by
predetermined outcomes, learn and apply information in ways that generate new
options, and rigorously evaluate public engagement activities for effectiveness.
5. Transparency and Trust
Be clear and open about the process, and provide a public record of the
organizers, sponsors, outcomes, and range of views and ideas expressed.
6. Impact and Action
Ensure each participatory effort has real potential to make a difference, and that
participants are aware of that potential. Report the number of emails, letters, and
calls, along with a summary of the main points made regarding support or
opposition to the City Council, Board, or Commission.
7. Sustained Engagement and Participatory Culture
Promote a culture of participation with programs and institutions that support
ongoing quality public engagement.
8. Provide a Welcoming Environment
It is really important when the City asks people to attend community meetings that
the space is welcoming, with good acoustics and lighting, and basic refreshments.
1, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly
and regularly adopted and passed by the Council of the City of Alameda in a
regular meeting assembled on the 17th day of April, 2012, by the following vote to
wit:
AYES: Councilmembers Bonta, deHaan, Johnson, Tam and
Mayor Gilmore — 5.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, 1 have hereunto set my hand and affixed the
official seal of said City this 18th day of April, 2012.
Lara Weisiger, Ci
City of Alameda
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