Community safety is being put at the forefront for a 29-person panel of Langley City residents. It's a subject the cross-section of individuals – from various ages and walks of life – will endeavour to dissect during the coming months.
Langley City launched its new citizens’ assembly last weekend, on March 15 – the same day as Langley City’s 70th anniversary.
The group's job is to listen to experts, discuss key issues, garner public input, then – this fall – present a series of actionable recommendations to Langley City council on what Mayor Nathan Pachal calls the important topics of community safety, health, and well-being.
This assembly is a new group that brings residents together to help shape the future of Langley City.
“The first meeting of the citizens’ assembly is an important milestone for Langley City," said Pachal, who officially welcomed the group and thanked them for signing up for the task.
"It’s fitting that the opening ceremony took place on the same day as Langley City’s 70th anniversary – it doesn’t feel like a coincidence. Langley City exists because, 70 years ago, residents came together to create a City where their voices could be heard. The citizens’ assembly reaffirms Langley City’s commitment to democracy, ensuring that people have a real say in shaping their community," he said.
The citizens' assembly is made up of a diverse group of people who reflect the City’s current demographic makeup, Pachal said. And they're tasked with developing solutions with input from a variety of sources.
The assembly will meet every few weeks in what Pachal calls "a closed setting" to discuss the matters and hear from experts. There will also be a few different opportunities offered where the public can present its thoughts. The first is a series of Village Cafes, designed to bring residents together to discuss what matters most to them in Langley City.
Then, on June 26, a community forum will be held to give all residents a chance to share their thoughts and add to the discussion started by the assembly.
"This forum is an important step to make sure the final recommendations reflect input from the broader community," said Pachal, who is excited to roll out the citizens' assembly concept in Langley City, and looking forward to hearing the results.
After that forum, the assembly will refine its recommendations, which will be presented to Langley City council by October.
People can learn more about the citizens’ assembly, and it's progress, by signing up for Langley City’s eNewsletter.
