Pinedale community assessment next week

by Cat Urbigkit

Pinedale will be the subject of a community assessment May 6, 7 and 8, and community members are invited to participate in the process.

The assessment will be conducted by the Wyoming Rural Development Council, which was established in 1992 as a part of the "National Initiative on Rural Development."

The three major questions the assessment team would like local people to answer are: what are the major problems and challenges in the community; what are the major strengths and assets of the community; and what projects would you like to see accomplished in the next two, five, 10 and 20 years?

To learn more about the schedule for the community assessment, contact the Pinedale Area Chamber of Commerce.

WRDC RESOURCE TEAM ASSESSMENTS:

What is a resource Tteam? Wyoming Resource Teams are a community-based planning and assessment process involving interviewing a large number of people in the community, recording their suggestions, and having a team of experts write up implementation plans for community use. The critical focus is the community. The team of experts suggest ways of accomplishing the goals of the community.

Who are resource team members? Team members are professionals in the areas of economic and community development; health; housing; workforce development; education; land-use planning; grant writing; telecommunications; financing; emergency-management services; and strategic planning. The team can include state, county and federal government participants.

What are the benefits of a resource team visiting your community? Realistic and do-able projects will be presented from simple to complex; creates excellent public and member relations; is excellent for resolving conflicts; it produces an action plan that will not sit on a shelf; the process works in a rural community; the approach builds community consensus; you can attach the plan to funding applications; and the team is inexpensive for a community to host.

What is the process the resource team uses? The resource team will come into your community, conduct two days of questioning and gathering information. The team then compiles results and categorizes responses; holds a community town meeting to share the information that was gathered; then provides the community with a written report within 4-6 weeks.

What is the community's responsibility? The community needs to provide a community leader; provide the logistic services (tour of the community, meals and lodging for the team, meeting room); and solicit community participants.

Who are the community participants? The following segments of your community should be invited to participate: political leaders, religious leaders, members of the agriculture community, bankers, educators, major employers, realtors, health care and social service providers, senior citizens, civic groups, students an anyone with an interest in their community. "Those that show get things done!"

What questions will be asked during the listening sessions? 1. What are the major problems/challenges in your community? 2. What are the major strengths/assets of your community? 3. What projects would you like to see implemented in the next 2, 5, 10, or 20 years in your community?

What will the final report include? The final report will include recommendations from each team member based on the needs of the community, including suggestions to accomplish your needs and with each recommendation, you will receive sources of income and contacts.