By Heather Graves
Correspondent
GREEN BAY – City staff know not everyone can get to city hall or attend common council meetings – so instead, they are bringing city hall to residents with Pop-Up City Halls.
“We hope to make public engagement with city hall more convenient and approachable,” said Matt Buchanan, economic development specialist.
The flexible city hall aims to bring civil services to the people, where they are and on their time.
“We understand that visiting city hall during the work week can be a challenge for some residents, or even intimidating,” said Mayor Eric Genrich. “We want to send a message that city hall is accessible and we are really interested in seeking input from the community.”
The idea is that of a newly created outreach team – which was tasked with identifying ways to better engage with Green Bay residents.
“Our team learned how some cities hold Pop-Up City Halls at popular events in order to have conversations with the public, gain input on issues and share information,” Buchanan said. “The concept was very popular in those cities, so we dedicated to bring it to Green Bay.”
Each pop-up event will feature representatives from the Department of Community and Economic Development, city alders, Genrich and department heads.
Buchanan said attendees can chat with staff about city issues, ask questions and share opinions.
Genrich said the main goal is to build an engaged community with a stronger culture of civic participation.
“The Pop-Up City Halls offers a convenient and friendly opportunity for residents to engage face-to-face with us and discuss topics important to them,” Genrich said.
City staff hope residents will stop and learn more about the city they live in.
“These interactions are important because they will help city staff and officials better address community needs, and also develop a more informed citizenry,” Buchanan said.
Buchanan said future pop-ups will showcase other initiatives that are particularly important to the neighborhood where the event is located.
Residents can look for a Pop-Up City Hall at these upcoming summer events:
• July 13 – Open Streets at CityDeck from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• July 25 – Market On Military at Green Bay Plaza from 3-7 p.m.
• Aug. 7 – Farmers’ Market on Broadway – between Walnut and Dousman Streets – from 3-8 p.m.
• Sept. 20-21 – Better Block on Adams Street between Walnut and Cherry Streets.
For more information, contact Buchanan at 920-448-3396 or [email protected].