During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implementation of a new online public engagement tool aimed at enhancing community interaction with county government. The primary goal of this initiative is to broaden outreach and reduce barriers for residents, particularly those who may not currently engage with local governance.

The tool is designed to streamline the process for residents to provide feedback on development projects and other county matters. By allowing users to submit comments through a simple online form, the county hopes to attract a more diverse group of participants, moving beyond the traditional methods of communication, such as mail and email. Officials noted that while the platform could potentially increase the volume of public input, it also raises concerns about the capacity to manage and respond to this feedback effectively.

Commissioner Shattuck McNally highlighted the importance of including older adults in the engagement process, many of whom may not be comfortable using technology. She emphasized the need to ensure that traditional communication methods remain available, allowing all residents, regardless of their tech-savviness, to voice their opinions. The team assured that the new system would not replace existing channels of communication, such as phone calls and emails, but would serve as an additional option for engagement.

The discussion also touched on the potential for the tool to incorporate data layers that could help target outreach efforts to marginalized communities or those with lower health scores. This capability aims to ensure that all residents feel connected and heard, regardless of their location within the county.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to innovate public engagement strategies while maintaining inclusivity for all community members. The county plans to continue refining its approach based on feedback and experiences from other communities that have implemented similar tools.