Community-listening initiative Imagine Brevard announces seven key issues, invites further comment

Press release

from the nonprofit Heart of Brevard

Imagine Brevard, a community listening initiative of Heart of Brevard, announced seven key issue topics to open up for further citizen input. These initial forum meetings will be held the week of September 2nd. The meetings will be held at the Imagine Brevard Center at 65 N. Broad Street and the public is invited and encouraged to participate.

“In exactly one week, the launch meeting was held, VPLs (Volunteer Project Leaders) stepped up and were trained. They culled through over 600 ideas and emergedwith a solid list of seven broad issues by which to further engage the community.” said Michael Trufant, Interim Executive Director of Heart of Brevard. “From concept to action, the community now has a framework to press forward on further refining and crafting opportunities for our community togrow. It’s exciting.”

The seven issues identified are (in no order of preference):
• Enhancing the Downtown Consumer Experience. Making our town more beautiful, accessible and friendly. (Meeting: Tuesday, September 4th at 9:15 a.m.)

• One Stop Shop for Information. We have created a vibrant cultural community in Brevard, and with a convenient one-stop-shop for information online or in town, everyone can enjoy much more without missing a single opportunity to participate! (Meeting: Tuesday, September 4th at 6:30 p.m.)

• Business Cultivation. This group will focus on how to encourage business in Brevard, including possible ideas such as reducing the barriers and facilitating the start up of new businesses, attracting high tech companies, increasing broadband, improving downtown parking, and similar goals. (Meeting: Tuesday, September 4 at 5:30 p.m.)

• Green Initiatives. Sustainability Efforts including public transportation and green transportation efforts, recycling bins in public spaces, composting, and converting businesses and residents to using CFLs. (Meeting: Thursday, September 6th at 5:30 p.m.)

• Parks & Pathways. Dogs, skateboards, cyclists, kids, commuters – what type of parks and paths do we need? (Meeting: Wednesday, September 5th at 5:30 p.m.)

• Year Round Community. Comprehensive look at improving off-season exposure including arts/music district, expanded festivals, larger event venues… (Meeting: September 5th at 6:30 p.m.)

• Youth Connections. Connecting Brevard’s Future Today (Meeting: Sunday, September 2nd at 4 p.m.)

Citizens are welcome to any and all sessions. Participants will further refine and develop topics within these issues and suggest opportunities for the ultimate benefit of our community leaders to consider as community input.

As well, www.brevardisready.com is an online platform for those interested to sign on to issue groups they are interested in and be able to offer suggestions, become aware of meetings, and work on theissue(s) itself. The process will continue through September.

“I am impressed with the excitement and engagement of our community.” Remarked Susan Evans, volunteer coordinator of the Imagine Brevard project. “Such a diverse group of individuals are showing up to lead and we welcome that. This process is very encouraging for our future.”

Heart of Brevard is the nonprofit economic development engine for the historic downtown district of Brevard, N.C., district.

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About Margaret Williams
Editor Margaret Williams first wrote for Xpress in 1994. An Alabama native, she has lived in Western North Carolina since 1987 and completed her Masters of Liberal Arts & Sciences from UNC-Asheville in 2016. Follow me @mvwilliams

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