[Press Release] : Community forum gives visioning 'thumbs up'

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Paula Hertwig Hopkins, Assistant City Manager - (573)
874-7218

Community forum gives visioning 'thumbs up'

COLUMBIA, MO (June 2, 2006) -- Citizens who took part in last month's
visioning forum are eager to look at the big picture of Columbia's
future. According to a report prepared by consultant ACP Visioning &
Planning Ltd., there is "*unequivocal support for the notion of
developing a vision program in Columbia."

Columbia City Manager Bill Watkins said that strong citizen support is
critical in determining how to proceed. "I want to thank everyone who
contributed their personal time and ideas. It's obvious that they care
about this community and about its legacy for the future."

Watkins said that the mayor and Council will discuss the findings later
this month at their annual retreat. "I'm personally excited about
what Columbia can achieve through visioning, but I also have a duty to
estimate the resources needed to run a successful process and to share
that with the mayor and Council members," he said.

Assistant City Manager Paula Hertwig Hopkins said that a link to the
consultant's full, final report will be posted on the front page of
the city's Web site (www.GoColumbiaMo.com). "As promised, we're
making the report available to anyone who is interested in the visioning
process. Paper copies will be available during normal business hours at
the Columbia Public Library and with our receptionist on the first floor
of the Daniel Boone Building."

ACP's findings are based on data gathered from citizens at a May 8,
2006 visioning forum held at Stephens College. Approximately 400 people
engaged in small-group, "table dialogue," and 280 completed
individual surveys.

"Nearly 94 percent of respondents want some kind of broad,
community-based plan," the consultants said, "and nearly 89 percent
of respondents believe that a visioning process similar to the ones
described during the forum would benefit the community." ACP found
that 84 percent of those completing surveys expressed interest in
personally getting involved with visioning.

Hertwig Hopkins said that forum participants already are laying the
groundwork for good communication. "They want a widely inclusive
process that is positive, safe, creative and fun. They also value a
community-driven vision involving key institutions that play crucial
roles here," Hertwig Hopkins said.

Those institutions, according to participants, could include county
government and neighboring cities. Watkins believes that citizens have
hit the mark.

"When we imagine Columbia's future," Watkins said, "we must
define the horizon. Where is the reasonable line?"

Watkins said that roads, capital investments and technology increase
our inter-dependence every day. "I applaud citizens who can't
imagine a Columbia that is isolated or inward-looking."

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