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welcome. Anyone with a known interest in the issue will be <br />identified, invited and encouraged to be involved early in <br />the process. <br />Voluntary Participation - The process will seek the support <br />of those participants willing to invest the time necessary to <br />make it work. <br />Purpose Driven - The process will be clearly linked to <br />when and how decisions are made. These links will be com- <br />municated to participants. <br />Time, Financial and Legal Constraints - The process will <br />operate within an appropriate time frame and budget and <br />observe existing legal and regulatory requirements. <br />Communication - The process and its progress will be <br />communicated to participants and the community at -large <br />using appropriate methods and technologies. <br />Adaptability - The process will be adaptable so that the <br />level of public involvement is reflective of the magnitude of <br />the issue and the needs of the participants. <br />Access to Information The process will provide partici- <br />pants with timely access to all relevant information in an <br />understandable and user-friendly way. Education and train- <br />ing requirements will be considered. <br />Access to Decision Making - The process will give partici- <br />pants the opportunity to influence decision making. <br />Respect for Diverse Interests - The process will foster <br />respect for the diverse values, interests and knowledge of <br />those involved. <br />Accountability - The process will reflect that participants <br />are accountable to both their constituents and to the success <br />of the process. <br />Evaluation -The success and results of the process will be <br />measured and evaluated. <br />Roles and Responsibilities - City Council <br />City Council is ultimately responsible to all the citizens <br />of Louisville and must weigh each of its decisions accord- <br />ingly. Councilors are responsible to their local constituents <br />under the ward system; however they must carefully con- <br />sider the concerns expressed by all parties. Council must <br />ultimately meet the needs of the entire community—in- <br />cluding current and future generations—and act in the best <br />interests of the City as a whole. <br />During its review and decision-making process, Council <br />has an obligation to recognize the efforts and activities that <br />have preceded its deliberations. Council should have regard <br />for the public involvement processes that have been com- <br />pleted in support or opposition of projects. <br />Roles and Responsibilities - City Staff and Advisory <br />Boards <br />The City should be designed and run to meet the needs <br />and priorities of its citizens. Staff and advisory boards must <br />ensure that the Guiding Principles direct their work. In <br />addition to the responsibilities established by the Guiding <br />9 <br />Principles, staff and advisory boards are responsible for: <br />• ensuring that decisions and recommendations <br />reflect the needs and desires of the community as a <br />whole; <br />• pursuing public involvement with a positive spirit <br />because it helps clarify those needs and desires and <br />also adds value to projects; <br />• fostering long-term relationships based on respect <br />and trust in all public involvement activities; <br />• encouraging positive working partnerships; <br />• ensuring that no participant or group is marginal- <br />ized or ignored; <br />• drawing out the silent majority, the voiceless and <br />the disempowered; and being familiar with a variety of <br />public involvement techniques and the strengths and <br />weaknesses of various approaches. <br />All Participants <br />The public is also accountable for the public involvement <br />process and for the results it produces. All parties (includ- <br />ing Council, advisory boards, staff, proponents, opponents <br />and the public) are responsible for: <br />• working within the process in a cooperative and <br />civil manner; <br />• focusing on real issues and not on furthering per- <br />sonal agendas; <br />• balancing personal concerns with the needs of the <br />community as a whole; <br />• having realistic expectations; <br />• participating openly, honestly and constructively, <br />offering ideas, suggestions and alternatives; <br />• listening carefully and actively considering every- <br />one's perspectives; <br />• identifying their concerns and issues early in the <br />process; <br />• providing their names and contact information if <br />they want direct feedback; <br />• remembering that no single voice is more impor- <br />tant than all others, and that there are diverse opinions <br />to be considered; <br />• making every effort to work within the project <br />schedule and if this is not possible, discussing this with <br />the proponent without delay; <br />• recognizing that process schedules may be con- <br />strained by external factors such as limited funding, <br />broader project schedules or legislative requirements; <br />• accepting some responsibility for keeping them- <br />selves aware of current issues, making others aware of <br />project activities and soliciting their involvement and <br />input; and <br />• considering that the quality of the outcome and <br />how that outcome is achieved are both important. <br />Updated December 2015 <br />-8- <br />