MENASHA, WI (WTAQ) – Looking towards building a positive future for the Fox Cities, and new community-wide initiative kicked off Thursday.
Imagine Fox Cities was created by community members and is based on two main goals. “Valuing what is good in the Fox Cities today and improving on it, and more importantly, taking a look at the future.” Mike Weller, Co-Chair of the project says the Fox Cities have a lot going for it already. “Outstanding education, health opportunities. We have great non-profits that help support people that are in need. If you value something, you continue to invest in it.” Weller says they are looking for ideas, input and voices. “I have led businesses in the community, and I know the value of getting everyone’s input in the process.”
The initiative was created by community members, for the community, and will be an ongoing initiative to ensure the community maintains or improves what is valued, with an eye on the future. Once opportunities for any improvement are discovered, Imagine Fox Cities will move forward on developing a collaborative, comprehensive community action plan including a framework for future decisions based on identified shared values.
The group is planning on holding about 50 listening sessions and has a survey that can be filled out online.
“This is perhaps the farthest, most in-depth listening process, that we’ve ever gone through, in the Fox Cities.”
The project is broken up into four phases which are discovery, reflecting, convening and action. “We will take the next six months or so to really listen to what our community has to say,” Walt Rugland, community member, said. “We want to hear from all segments of the community including those of different ages, races, genders, religions and incomes. It’s important our data and conversations represent the community as a whole.” Imagine Fox Cities are hoping to have their first listening session sometime next week.
For more information or if you’re interested in attending a community conversation or filling out a survey, you can visit their website.
