Time is running out if you want to submit input about what it’s like to speak at city council.
The City of Vancouver is collecting feedback with an eye to improving the experience through a comprehensive review of the procedure bylaw.
If you have kudos or criticism, check out the city’s online survey at vancouver.ca/speak-to-council.
It takes about 15 minutes to finish, and it’s open until Jan. 31.
Questions include a section about past experiences such as whether participants have viewed an agenda prior to a council meeting, whether it was clear which items allowed speakers, how long they’ve waited to speak at a meeting and their overall experience.
Another section focuses on options for improving the council speakers process, including asking for suggestions about how the city could better inform speakers of their spot on speakers’ lists, which in some cases can be very long.
Aside from the public survey, the city is conducting a staff survey, public focus group sessions and in-person interviews with members of council, to better understand people’s thoughts on the subject.
This information gathered will inform changes to the procedure bylaw and address various aspects of speaking to council including:
Challenges and barriers to accessing and speaking to council
Opportunities to improve public access and experience when speaking to council
The role of speakers in the decision making process
Language and accessibility needs of the public
Public and council member conduct at meetings.
Focus group sessions will be held in early 2018 to “further explore the challenges, barriers and opportunities to accessing and speaking at Council meetings,” according to the city.
Recommendations for changes to the procedure bylaw will be presented to council in summer 2018.
