Yountville Commons reset: Neutral facilitator could shape next chapter
What would a neutral facilitator mean for the Commons project?
Now that the Commons project has been paused to reconsider several of its most controversial elements, the Town Council has directed Town Manager Brad Raulston on the next steps. Among those directions is the selection of a neutral facilitator to assist with the process moving forward.
What would that role look like?
A neutral facilitator’s role is to first learn from the Town Council what the goals are for the community engagement process. Once these objectives are established, the facilitator will then serve as a manager of conversations, not the project itself. A neutral facilitator should oversee the public engagement efforts that will result in the achievement of these objectives, design methods for gathering input, such as surveys and ensure that meetings are productive and inclusive of residents, workers and business owners.
Town staff would continue to manage the project’s design, budget and contracts, while the Town Council would retain final decision-making authority.
The facilitator’s role would also include leading the meetings to keep them organized and respectful, summarizing community input and data gathering, as well as discussing areas of agreement and disagreement. This information can help clarify where council and staff should focus their efforts and support revisions to the project to better reflect community input.
Keeping the community engagement separate from project management helps preserve neutrality in how information is collected and presented. It can also rebuild trust by demonstrating that public input is being heard and considered, while reducing the risk of conflicts of interest.
When asked for comment, Raulston said, “Our overall intent is to provide the council with options for experienced facilitators with public sector experience and associated pricing, per the direction of council at the last meeting. Whoever is selected will likely need some time working with the community to develop the best process for engagement on the Commons.”
Town Clerk Hilary Gaede has been asked to prepare a staff report for the May 5 council meeting on this topic. As part of that process, she is gathering input from members of the public before developing recommendations for the council on how to move forward.
What is important to you about the community engagement process for the Commons development?
Please share your input with Hilary Gaede – [email protected] or [email protected].
