The function of the Community Outreach program involves establishing ways for citizens to become more actively involved in their government by opening communication between City Council, City staff and citizens. This is currently being accomplished through the establishment and maintenance of quarterly City Council Neighborhood Roundtable meetings and annual Plano Citizens Academy courses.
City Council Neighborhood Roundtable meetings focus on a quarter of the City at a time, allowing residents and business owners in the targeted area to share their specific interests and concerns with Council and staff. City Council and staff, in turn, investigate and research citizens’ suggestions and concerns, then respond to all inquiries by letter.
The Plano Citizens Academy is currently designed as a 10 session course outlining the various City departments, services and operations. The goal of the academy is to educate the public about the functions of the City and encourage citizens to participate in decision-making processes available to them through local government.
The mission of the Multicultural Outreach Roundtable is to partner with City Council and the diverse citizens of Plano encouraging understanding and participation in the government process while fulfilling the needs and desires of the City’s diverse citizens.