International Falls residents next week have a chance to help shape the future of their city.
Planned for April 11 and 12, International Falls City Council, along with the League of Minnesota Cities, will offer a series of “Community Conversations” intended to educate community members about the services they receive as city residents as well as how those services are funded.
In addition, the conversations are designed to foster feedback for community leaders to use as they set out future initiatives.
Conversations are planned for April 11 during the regular Rotary meeting and then later that day following a 4 p.m. presentation by the Minnesota Historical Center and 5:30 p.m. light supper at the Falls Public Library.
On April 12, the conversations will be conducted at an International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon at noon at Backus Community Center, and following a 5:30 p.m. Backus strategy planning event with dinner at 6 p.m. and a conversation at 6:30 p.m.
The conversations are being held in conjunction with existing, regularly scheduled events in the community in an effort to “piggyback” on participation.
Facilitated by staff of the League of Minnesota Cities, of which International Falls is a member, the Community Conversations fit into the city’s strategic plan, which calls for a collaboration summit and an effort to engage community members in the city’s activities.
And city residents should feel welcome to offer their comments and ideas at the conversations. Elected officials aren’t expected to attend to allow for an uninhibited discussion. Information from residents offered at the conversations will be compiled and provided to the Falls City Council for consideration.
Kudos to city leaders for providing a way to start a conversation about the city’s future. It’s likely that many of those engaged in next week’s discussions will be prompted to continue to offer their input in the future.
