So what IS different about the Vision 2030 Gatherings happening all around Routt County in November 2008?  Just about everything!

First, we’ll feed you. It’s always good to think on a full stomach.

Next, we’ll hear each person, individually. Silently, effectively and powerfully.  How in the world do we do that?  Keypad polling.  Polling gives the often ’silent majority’ a voice in that you can select your preferences, opinions and more, silently and anonymously on keypads that are similar to a phone handset. This eliminates the heated, confrontational, ‘for or against’ public forum where it often seems the loudest voice wins. Basically attendees are able to vote and bring forth preferences anonymously, yet results are recorded and broadcast instantly. It gives the ’silent majority’ the ability to be heard!

Finally, you’ll help determine a common direction for our future. Vision 2030 has been listening to citizens throughout Routt County for over 18 months on what is valued most and what is important for our future. Of greatest concern was preservation of our community character, which we heard is valued for its western heritage, its family friendliness and its small town feel. We’ve heard that managing growth is important to our future too, from a sustainable economy to housing patterns to transportation perspectives. The November gatherings will seek to better understand what you mean by these and then determine which recommendations you believe best insure that these values are preserved for our future.

Meeting attendees will also be able to see – in 3D graphics – alternative growth patterns for our valley, and on which they can then ‘vote’ for their preferences. There has never been a meeting like this in our area, let alone the nation… combining visualization, polling and information while capturing attendees preferences, perspectives and priorities.

If you can give one evening for the future, we’d greatly appreciate it. We promise it to be fun, informative and engaging.