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CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM |
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Department: |
City Manager’s Office |
Commission Meeting Date: March 14, 2017 |
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Staff Contact: |
Eileen Horn, Sustainability Coordinator Helen Schnoes, Food Systems Coordinator (Douglas County) |
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Recommendations/Options/Action Requested: |
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Receive update about the development of the Douglas County Food System Plan, led by the Douglas County Food Policy Council. Share questions and comments on the draft with staff and council members. |
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Executive Summary: |
The Horizon 2020 Steering Committee asked the Douglas County Food Policy Council (DCFPC) and its staff to develop a set of goals, objectives, and policies to “ensure the master plan is fitting the true needs of the community” concerning agricultural land and rural character preservation and local food system development. To accomplish this, a community engagement process unfolded in 2016 and draft Food System Plan was released in January 2017.
The public engagement efforts included 13 focus groups with community organizations, a health equity initiative with Sunrise Project Community Coordinators, a Lawrence Listens survey, and 5 public forums.
The draft plan provides strategic recommendations in 5 goal areas: 1. Agricultural producers, food entrepreneurs, and food sector workers thrive in our regional economy. 2. As our cities grow we prioritize natural resource conservation and maintain working lands to promote soil health. 3. We build and design our communities to ensure food access, foster health, and eliminate food deserts. 4. Our community works together to advance access to affordable and culturally-appropriate food for all. 5. Our community minimizes waste creation and recovers, recycles, diverts, and composts to eliminate waste in our local food system.
On February 27, the DCFPC reviewed input and shared edits with staff. A finalized plan will be presented to the City Commission and Douglas County Commission for joint adoption in the spring. The final plan will be incorporated by reference into the revised comprehensive plan. |
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Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor: |
Safe, Healthy, and Welcoming Neighborhoods Economic Growth and Security |
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Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source): |
As a guiding plan, there are no direct financial commitments requests in the plan. Any subsequent requests for funding or actions with fiscal impact will be developed and presented in full as part of plan implementation. |
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Attachments: |
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Reviewed By: (for CMO use only) |
☐TM ☐DS ☒CT ☐BM |