COUNCIL GOALS AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

SECOND Priority

Continued          26. Neighborhood Advocate Functions

Description: Consider options for providing neighborhood advocate functions within Town government, including a program neighborhood advocate education.

For prior reports refer to past Quarterly Reports on Council Goals.

February 28, 2005 Status: The Manager has been unable to complete this project because of other work.  Interim products will be prepared to assist citizens with specific processes and matters of interest.

May 9, 2005 Status:  No change in status.

September 12, 2005 Status: No change in status.

November 21, 2005 Status:  No change in status.

February 13, 2006 Status: No change in status.

May 8, 2006 Status:  To encourage involvement in and understanding of local government, information brochures have been produced (“Town Council Meetings,” “Your Mayor and Town Council,” Advisory Boards and Commissions,” The Town Budget,” and “Town Facilities”).  Newspaper advertisements and bus posters in spring 2006 convey the theme “Participate.”  A newly produced Town Hall presentation display continues this theme and offers ways citizens to stay connected through news listservs and TOWNweek, a weekly bulletin to Chapel Hill citizens.  These efforts will continue and be expanded.  A proposed video project may feature the Town’s boards and commissions, and offer opportunities to volunteer for community.

Products to Be Produced and Timetable

· The Town Information Officer will generate additional citizen information/education products each quarter.

September 11, 2006 Status: New informational pieces produced to assist citizens now include “Town Facility Rentals” and “Parking in Chapel Hill.” New pieces under development include “Toward a Sustainable Community,” “History of Town Government,” and “Doing Business in Chapel Hill.” Information in printed brochures is recast in other communication mediums, including the web, newspaper advertisements, and elsewhere.