Sauk County Comprehensive Planning Website

About the Program

Category: Planning (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

A principal goal of the comprehensive planning process which is accessible, transparent, and meaningful ways for the public to engage, led to the development and implementation of an interactive planning website. Traditional methods of public participation in the planning process, while important, were failing to include younger generations, who typically seek information and communicate via the internet or other electronic means. The website includes a blog and discussion forum allowing the public to post pictures as they relate to their communities, provide general perspectives on what communities are doing and to direct ideas to officials to assist the planning process. The website has created an opportunity for the public to dialog openly and for the Planning Steering Committee to follow the discussion. This method of online communication has resulted in increased participation and has provided a continuous portal into the planning process.