COM 0372.192 2024-2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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(5) Listening to communities helps the County act before problems grow. The County should design programs and services to anticipate and proactively address community needs, rather than responding only after problems arise. (6) Where services are located affects who can use them. County facilities and service locations should be planned and distributed to equitably serve communities across the island in a fair and practical manner. (7) Community partnerships expand capacity and build trust. The County should actively purse and collaborate with nonprofit and community -based partners to support service delivery, leverage community capacity, and advance the goals and priorities of this General Plan. (8) Community Development Plans provide a place -based foundation for engagement. Community Development Plans should serve as a primary vehicle for place -based engagement, helping translate General Plan policies into locally informed priorities and actions. Section 1-4-2. Actions. (a) Residents should be able to easily find and understand County information. County departments shall provide clear and accessible public information regarding programs, services, and procedures. (b) Major decisions warrant early and visible outreach. County departments and agencies responsible for major planning efforts, policy decisions, and capital projects shall conduct public outreach early and throughout the process. (c) Multiple channels help remove barriers to participation. County departments shall provide opportunities for public input through in -person meetings, digital platforms, and other accessible formats. (d) Online systems can expand access beyond in -person engagement. The department of information technology shall maintain and improve online systems that allow residents to access services, submit applications, and obtain information electronically. (e) Service access should be evaluated, not assumed. County departments shall evaluate the distribution of service locations and facilities to identify gaps in access, particularly in improving accessibility for underserved areas. (f) Creative approaches can extend the County's reach. The County shall expand public access to programs and services through strategies such as satellite service locations, mobile services, digital platforms, and targeted improved communication and outreach regarding available programs. (g) Community input should influence outcomes, not disappear into a record. County departments shall incorporate community feedback into program, project, and policy development where appropriate and shall publicly communicate how community feedback informed or affected decisions or priorities when feasible.