04-27-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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as predicted by the Met Council, populations of color will make up 40% of the population by 2040 and the senior population is expected to grow by 29%, making it imperative to engage those population groups identified to ensure the regional trail meets the needs of the entire surrounding population. Those that live and work near the project, walkers, bicyclists, children/students, seniors and those with disabilities will benefit the most from the project. Engagement Strategies The following are engagement strategies the County has used to receive comments and feedback from our partners and the public. 1.Website and Social Media Updates – The County hosts a “Plan Your Parks” website that includes information on current planning efforts. 2.Survey – As part of the Plan Your Parks Website, a survey link was shared and posted through social media and advertised to those within a 3-mile radius of the project. 3.Listening Sessions – Due to the COVID-19 virus, any in-person listening sessions were cancelled. Engagement Results Participants: The social media posts reached more than 11,000 people and more than 900 people engaged with the post, meaning they shared, liked, clicked the link and/or took the survey. The survey which was posted for over three weeks, had more than 200 responses. Most respondents were between the ages of 18- 65. We were able to reach approximately 2% of the population over age 65 and approximately 1 % of children ages 12 and under. While most respondents identified themselves as Caucasian, we were able to reach about 8% of the population that identify as another race and/or ethnicity. Engagement Types: There were several different types of engagement used to inform and consult 4 with the public about the proposed project. The project was advertised on the County’s Play your Parks Website with additional social media posts. Public Participation Themes: Overall, more than 70% of those surveyed felt that this project would significantly or somewhat improve their transportation and recreation needs. 30% of the respondents were indifferent or thought there would be no improvement to their transportation or recreation needs. Approximately 75% of the respondents felt the completion of this trail segment would increase their trail use. 4 IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation