Working on a vision for Sisters

The Sisters Country Horizons project is progressing on schedule, according to Steve Ames and Ruth Williamson, of NXT Consulting, in their report to Sisters City Council last week.

The project is expected to result in a long-term vision for the community, with shorter-term action plans,

Already some major themes are beginning to emerge as the community leaders' interviews (75 to date) wrap up and more than 140 online surveys begin to collect, the consultants reported. The consultants have learned there is something they are calling the "Sisters Way" that residents identify as small-town friendliness, a culture of volunteerism, and a "can-do" attitude. Those factors, coupled with a culture of livability, connection, family, and pride of place creates the feeling that "we are all in this together."

It appears the very things the community values and that attracts people to Sisters are possibly threatened by growth. Most recognize that some level of growth is necessary to support the schools and provide more affordable housing options, but no one wants to lose touch with what makes Sisters Sisters.

"There appears to be tremendous alignment around the big themes, initiatives, and community values," according to consultant Williamson.

For the community leadership interviews, the consultants reached out to all parts of the community, to people with diverse personal backgrounds and different perspectives. All responded to the same five questions.

The survey is now available online at www.sisters horizons.org. Of the first 140 respondents, the two largest demographic groups to respond are over 60 and over 70 years of age with fairly high incomes. Consultants are particularly interested in hearing from younger working residents. They would really like to hear from those who don't generally attend public meetings or volunteer with service clubs and other organizations. They are hoping to collect 1,000 online surveys.

Paper surveys are also available at City Hall. There will be a number of large facilitated community meetings in April and May, but if those aren't possible or comfortable for some citizens, there will be do-it-yourself packets for use at a series of small gatherings in area homes and meeting places during May and June. Taking the survey out to the community is a unique approach for this type of undertaking and is being coordinated by Oregon's Kitchen Table, a program at Portland State University. Once completed, a summary of the interviews will be available online.

During May and June, more focused community forums (one for each of four themes) will take place. At the end of the forums, there will be a Locals Night Open House in June, to reveal the community's emerging vision statement.

Following more opportunities for community and visitor feedback over the summer, a final Vision Summit event will be held after Labor Day to finalize the vision and create information for development of an action plan.

Sometime in April, the consultants plan to begin formation of a project Vision Action Team comprised of members from across the community to help craft the vision and action plan, will be used to help guide government agencies, nonprofit groups, and the private sector in planning and projects. Contact City Hall at 541-549-6022 to be put on an interested parties list. The last community vision was completed in 2007.