Facts about the Cody 2020 Group
The Cody 2020 is a continuation of previous community visioning efforts.
The process of envisioning our future is an ongoing process. In 1997, the Cody community engaged in a process, Vision 2007, which sought community input for a collective vision. Another effort in 2005 called the Community Resource Assessment, looked at the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of the community. A key recommendation of the 2005 process was to update the community vision to reflect changes in the community.
It is time to look forward again to the year 2020 by updating the existing vision statements which describe what Cody area residents want the community to be in the future.
You have a list of people involved in the effort; how were these people selected?
Every process begins with a few “idea” people. This topic emerged as a few key leaders identified the need to revisit the Vision 2007 process. Over several months, the initiating group invited representation from various community segments. The group has grown to more than 20 persons and, as we proceed, we expect to engage thousands! Anyone who wants to become involved simply needs to show up.
How much is this update process going to cost and who’s paying for it?
Since no one involved has a golden goose, we have chosen to work our way through the process with the lowest cost possible. This means the group sends email instead of printing or mailing information. It also means we each provide a little to share the load. As we delve deeper into more intensive costs, such as printing or large public meetings, we plan to pass the hat around the community.
Isn’t this just a planning thing for the county and city?
No. It is more than just that. Understanding the needs and wants of community residents is a critical part of community planning. It is also a critical part of the plans carried out by any group working for the betterment of our community, especially as we describe a preferred future.
How will the results of the updating process be used?
It is the intent of Cody 2020 to seek endorsement of the updated vision statements by local government and community groups. Part of the updating process is to educate the community about the need to create statements, which help direct the work of local entities. For example, if a community shaped statement speaks to the need to maintain drug free neighborhoods, it would be expected that local law enforcement would see that as a community supported condition. However, these statements are statements of guidance, not mandates or directives.
What is a “vision statement”?
A “vision” is a statement describing the preferred future of a community. It answers the question, “Where do we, as a community, want to be?” A well developed vision can serve as a guiding statement in the planning and development activity of the community. As the vision is developed by the community, it is anticipated it will also be followed by the community.