What is Engage Lehi?

When talking with council member Condie about the development process and residents not understanding or knowing what they can do - I think it would be nice to put out more information in a place that people will actually see it - like Lehi Link and choose a topic and explain it. Or better yet, have a page with all kinds of questions and have links to give people answers or direction on what they can do. And then really get the word out about it! A FAQ page - or a primer for understanding your city processes & services, etc. Engage Lehi is great. Maybe this could be something featured on it. What does it mean when that little orange sign is posted by my home? What is public comment in meetings? What do I do when I am mailed a notice about development? Understanding some of Lehi's ordinances or code that are frequently misunderstood. How and for what information are city staff available to residents? Explain what a general plan is Explain what zones are and zoning maps Explain commercial use and commcerial zones - Explain a general plan amendment Explain the basic process of a project going through development and the public's role and that they can make a difference. Explain noticing & how far it goes - can they let other's know?..... Explain basic - what city planners do & other staff in the city Explain what planning commission is. Difference from council Explain allowed uses in zones - commercial vs neighborhood commercial Processes for reporting violations There are probably lots more things and maybe this could be a work in progress - but I really feel that educating the public and giving them information could actually cut down some on uninformed, irrational, emotional opinions & reactions. It would encourage more to participate and feel confident about it and also to make informed decisions with regards to elections, property issues, etc. If you understand a general plan and the future ramifications - maybe you have more interest in being a part of the planning of general plan updates. If you understand what development code is - you can see if our elected officials are using it to protect you (like your development code web page says) I just think that people just don't know or understand and without knowing - they are uncomfortable speaking out - or don't know they can. The public gets very little notice in respect to development - when the professionals and developers and officials have been working on projects for sometimes weeks & months before it comes to the public side of the process. We are blindsided. We would do well to try to educate - so that we can have the right conversations with everyone. The developers and builders are very versed in these processes. It is their livelihood, but the residents that are affected by all of these things, most often, are not. How can we change this? We can only rely on our elected officials and planning commission members to be our educated residents - and hope they are protecting and doing things in the best interest of residents and the city. But I think that more residents would like to know and understand for themselves what is happening around them. Thanks