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4 I <br />` '.. <br />w <br />` h <br />_ � .�,.. " ��, <br />r <br />.e ' .. .- ... : , � :��^ ;. . - ��: s <br />� <br />: ',' � <br />- k� <br />� ' � <br />.r� w 3 :., . . � = <br />- . <br />. <br />. � � . : �_ .. � , <br />n� <br />� <br />♦� � <br />In piannin� circles, Minnesoia is somet�mes referred to as the land af 10;000 local governments. <br />We have 1�71oca1 jurisdictions within the seven county Ivletropolitan Area, and numerous cities <br />and townships throughout the state's SO counties. There is a growing realization that the <br />problems of service delivery, crime, iransportation, environmental protection, and many others are <br />not limited by �urisdictianal boundar�es. Particularly in the area of growih management, multiple <br />jurisdictions are zncceasingly �acing the need to work together to identify and achieve corrunon <br />objectives. <br />As in everything else, each af these situations is unique and it will require its own distinct recipe <br />�for successful intergovernmental collabaration. There are, however, several key elements <br />included an virtually any successful approach, as vve11 as a number of obviQUS mistakes to be <br />avozded. <br />� u: �'° �:� � � � '� :� <br />1. (;o�rtmunic�tion <br />�ithere is one area where you can be in control of your process it is in the area of <br />,, communication. �ne of the pat criticisms that neighboring jurisdictions tend to lean on is <br />;`% �hat they weren't informed. Var�ations on ihis theme include: we didn't leam abou� it untii <br />y o u w e r e a i m o s t d o n e, w e d i d n' t g e t a de quate notice to be abl� ta attend, you oniy to3d us <br />part a�the information, etc. <br />Comm�atucate early anci often. Let peopie know well ahead of time what is being siudied, <br />why it is important and that you acknowledge their stake in the .autcomes. First <br />irr�pressians are critical to ihe success of this type of communicatian. This is true both of <br />the content and the attitude ihat is conveyed by the communication. Tf the initial contact <br />conveys an attitude of respect and openness, it can set a tone for the whole process. <br />Don't underestimaie the potential benefits of taking a personal touch ta the initial <br />invitation. Sometimes a personal invitation by the Mayor or ane or more of tk�e council or <br />board can go a iong way toward �getting the process off on the right foot. <br />Early on in the process, there shoutd be a broad disiribution of in%rmation. This may <br />include newspaper coverage, community newsletter, comrnunity cable, web page, etc. %t <br />also neecis to set the tone for an open and respe�tfial process. Tell people what the projeci <br />is about, who is involved and haw, how and where to �et additionai informatior� and how <br />to particBpate. At the first meeting, include a si�n-up shee� for anyone desiring to be on <br />your rnaiiing list. Assure <br />�. . __ ;. <br />