REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve the Preliminary Vision Statement, Success Criteria, and Needs Assessment for the Civic Center Modernization Project
Report
BACKGROUND
At City Council's September 2, 2014 Strategic Planning Workshop, modernization of the Civic Center Campus was one of the prioritized topics selected by Council for further discussion. Council discussed and approved a Civic Center and Main Library decision tree that outlined a two-phase community engagement process leading up to a decision by Council to select a preferred method of financing for a Civic Center Project. Council reinforced its desire to conduct a robust community engagement process and to establish criteria for a successful project prior to making any decisions.
On October 28, 2014, City Council appropriated funds for consulting services needed for the Civic Center Modernization Project (RTC 14-0746). The need for consultant assistance was outlined in three key service areas: 1) develop and implement a community engagement plan that would allow residents and stakeholders to develop a vision of a modernized Civic Center and to provide input on project alternatives and financing methods; 2) prepare a space plan that quantifies the amount of space needed for efficient service delivery and to meet the community's needs for library space, meeting rooms, and open space; and 3) complete a market analysis of the Civic Center property to further explore the concept of a public-private partnership that could help fund future Civic Center improvements.
On February 24, 2015, Council approved a Community Engagement Plan for the Civic Center Project (RTC 15-0111). The Engagement Plan outlines a series of engagement activities including interviews, focus groups, community workshops, online surveys and City Council meetings that will be used to gather input before making decisions on land use alternatives and a financing strategy for the project. The Engagement Plan also iden...
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