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Home My WebLink AboutCM Resident Engagement PPTInclusive Resident Engagement Informational presentation and discussion with San Rafael City Council, local leaders and interested community members October 4, 2021 About Common Knowledge !Work with public agencies, foundations and multi-sector collaboratives !“Reflective practitioners” of customized community engagement www.ckgroup.org •Working definition: Communications and capacity building to identify and work on issues of shared community concern •Long tradition of resident engagement in and across San Rafael neighborhoods plus several recent positive examples during the pandemic. 3 What is “Resident Engagement”? How can San Rafael build on these experiences to keep expanding inclusive resident engagement? Factors to Consider Project Goals •Increase the number and diversity of people interested in and informed about City activities •Expand the “pipeline” of people willing and ready to serve in various capacities •Support multi-directional information flows •Introduction of Council Districts •More prevalent technology, such as virtual meetings •The City’s commitment to racial equity and social justice 5 Neighborhood Associations are listed at www.cityofsanrafael.org /neighborhoods People in San Rafael live in over 30 neighborhoods •Mayor and the four council members •Four interviews with City staff •Ten leaders affiliated with neighborhood associations •Five leads at local organizations •Additional casual interviews in various community locations 7 Phase One Interviews 1.Personal “journey line” to engagement –the "why” 2.Organization purpose/evolution and how they engage others in the community 3.Hopes for resident engagement in San Rafael 4.Information sources and channels 5.Thoughts about district communications Specific topics in the interviews 1 2 3 4 5 •Renters as well as homeowners; people at different life stages •People from different socioeconomic and educational backgrounds •Spanish-speakers and other residents whose primary language is not English (27% of residents) •Small business owners •Trusted “connectors” who share information with those not reached well by official civic communications Primary Finding: There is a universal desire for more inclusive engagement, representative of all residents More Representative Engagement “We need more diverse participation in these committees.” “I don't care if you own or rent; if you live here, you are part of the community…” “We help identify important realities that are not obvious to decision-makers.” “Communities are stronger and better with a lot of diverse voices.” Source: 2019 American Community Survey Own: 49.95% Rent: 50.05% San Rafael: Renters & Homeowners Source: 2019 American Community Survey Single Family Homes 45.8% Large Multifamily (5+ Homes) 33.6% Mobile Homes or Other 2% San Rafael: Housing Types Small Multifamily (2-4 Homes) 18.7% San Rafael: Age Source: 2019 American Community Survey 14 and under 19% 15 to 24 years 10% 25 to 44 years 26% 45 to 64 years 26% 65 and over 19% Median Age 41.1 Less than high school 10.30% Some high school 4.20% High school graduate 11.20% Some college or associates degree 22.20% Bachelor’s degree 30.2% Graduate or professional degree 22% San Rafael: Education Population 25 years and older Source: 2019 American Community Survey Under $25,000 13% $25,000 to $34,999 6% $35,000 to $49,999 10% $50,000 to $74,999 12% $75,000 to $99,999 12% $100,000 to $149,999 15% $150,000 to $199,999 10% $200,000 or more 26% Median Income $91,742 San Rafael: Income Source: 2019 American Community Survey •Everyone interviewed saw themselves as partners in connecting people to the City and community issues •Desire to leverage, strengthen and build on existing networks of community relationships •Earlier engagement, across issues •More intentional support for people newer to civic process •The need for a variety of channels and formats Additional Areas of Agreement Value of Neighborhood/Grassroots Role “Some associations struggle. They can be quite fragile, needing nurturing and support.” “We get together. We find a solution…There’s a strength in knowing who you can count on.” “We are the worker bees. We show up again and again to analyze things so we can share it with others.” Desire to Connect Networks “It's important to leverage all the networks. Look at who in the community has the newsletters, who has the events.” “There is a lot more opportunity for city and school collaboration on communications. It's just determining what is relevant.” “People living in the apartments are working really hard and they have a lot to contribute . But I don't know how to reach them.” 19 Growing community capacity by combining in-person networks and digital networks Supporting Constructive Engagement “Some people are not engaged because they are intimidated by the process.” “People need good background information to be able to participate.” “…relying on the existing structure of scheduled hearings and meetings may be falling short of the need to truly communicate.” “We need to respect and honor local wisdom.” •Agreement that council members should be responsible for thinking city-wide about issues, as well as develop a good understanding of the needs of district residents •Mixed feedback to date about district meetings •Some concern that “another meeting” won’t reach new people •Interest in district gatherings that support neighbor to neighbor exchange and help build basic knowledge •Several shared desire to have people interested in neighborhood/resident engagement meet across districts About district communications Traditional Civic Meeting City presents information and collects input from residents People engage with and learn from each other as well as from the City Community Learning Conversation Following feedback today, will collaborate to reach out to more representative cross section of residents in Phase Two. Looking at a process that includes cross-generational and multi-cultural co-design to provide input on: 1.Phase One findings and specific suggestions 2.Examples of communications and outreach 3.Jointly develop priorities for more inclusive engagement 23 Next Steps Please Join the Conversation In English or en español, share your thoughts at: www.cityofsanrafael.org /residentengagement Or,call 415-454-6500 (be patient; it will pick up). Whether you are new to City issues or have more experience, your input is valuable! San Rafael Residents Familiar with Civic Process Stronger Community Fabric Adding the people who care about community but contribute to quality of life outside of the civic space Common Knowledge www.ckgroup.org Fostering More Inclusive Resident Engagement ALIGN COMPLEMENTARY ACTION ENGAGE PARTNERS ADD PEOPLE + PERSPECTIVES EXPAND SHARED UNDERSTANDING of key issues and each other