Resident panel feedback making an impact

The Plan WITH Us Resident Panel is actively participating in the development of the strategic plan for the next 4 years. In a series of workshops, the diverse group of volunteers are:

• Learning about important issues that Kitchener residents have said are important to them
• Reviewing the work that staff have done
• Providing valuable feedback

This collaborative approach is already showing showing positive results, with feedback leading to improved strategic goal areas, which have been supported by Council. Some of the things they have been talking about include:

• Reviewing a long list of potential strategic goals in detail, including what work the City is already doing in each area
• Reviewing what staff has recommended, and sharing feedback on what has been developed
• Shared feedback on making the strategic plan relatable and meaningful to the community

Panelists heard in the third workshop how their recommendations have already made a difference. Strategic goal areas were updated, based on their feedback, and shared back with them. One panelist shared "This list has us written all over it." in recognition of the changes that were made in response to the resident panel's feedback.

Council supported these five areas to explore further for the City’s strategic plan 2023-2026, which were informed by extensive public engagement including the collaboration of the new Plan WITH Us resident panel and City staff:

• Belonging and participation
• Housing, land use and mobility
• Environment and climate action
• Economic prosperity and opportunity
• Good government

The Plan WITH Us resident panel will continue to provide feedback on the actions proposed to address these strategic goal areas. Stay tuned for updates as our collaborative planning process!