Survey

Those of you that live within Oak Harbor will be receiving a short survey regarding the policy direction developed to this point of the project. These surveys will be sent through the mail over the next two months as part of your utility bills. Please take the time to respond and return your surveys.

I will also be posting a copy of the survey online and invite anyone viewing the blog to provide their input as well. We welcome input from all.

However, of course the findings from the surveys returned by the residents of Oak Harbor will be weighted differently than those gathered online.

Whidbey News Times Article

The May 15 edition of the Whidbey News Times (opinion section) has published an article about our use of blogs for engaging the public.

First Phase Findings

A companion site ( www.cohdelayered.blogspot.com ) detailing the findings of the first phase of subdivision analysis has been set up. This outlines the general characteristics of “existing conditions”, in terms of how our subdivisions look and function. The intent is to provide information on this major component of the project in a cohesive way and facilitate discussion.

The information on the companion site is essentially the same as presented to the Planning Commission on April 22, 2008. Some changes have been made to suit the blog format. Also, unlike a typical blog this second site is meant to be read from top to bottom as a single report. (see video of presentation)

Whidbey News Times Article

The April 9 edition of the Whidbey News Times (front page) has published an article about the use of blogs for various projects at the City http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/portals-code/list.cgi?paper=84&cat=23&id=1190746&more=0.

Fellow Senior Planner, Cac Kamak was quoted in the article discussing this new use of blogs for City projects: “It’s like a virtual, on-demand City Hall. People can chime in at anytime and have their issues addressed”. This is evident in the fact that to date this blog has received over 150 unique visitors, with over half returning repeatedly to gather more information about this project.

You can now participate in conversations and meetings without being in the same place, or at the same time together, by coming to the blog when it's convenient. As more of you participate in the process the more complex, interconnected, and holistic the "solutions" can become. This way you can have a direct impact on your community.

When visiting also remember to check out the archive section for past posts!

Welcome and Get Involved

You are invited to become engaged and help the City develop your community's new subdivision regulations. This blog, small group round table discussions, coffee house meetings, and other methods will be used to create an open dialog during this project (in addition to standard meeting and notice practices).

Check back here regularly to find:

• up-to-date information;


• report videos;


• monthly poll questions;


• discussion items;


• meeting schedules; and


• a variety of supporting documents and web links.