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What is your “Big Idea” for the future of Phoenix?
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Give options for ideas in a post-MyPlanPHX universe
Updated: Sep 04, 2012 Jim M18
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Give options for ideas in a post-MyPlanPHX universe
A black hole somewhere out there in outer space.
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Between August 22 and October 30, we are being asked to submit our big ideas for the future. Already 222 ideas have been submitted. That's great. But what happens after October 30?

My guess is that all of the ideas will be compiled, summarized, vetted inside and outside of City Hall, and prioritized. Some – but certainly not all – will be incorporated into the General Plan. That's the goal of THIS citizen engagement exercise.

But what happens to the rest that do not rise to the top or are not related to General Plan components or processes... but are still cool ideas? We cannot just let them fall into a black hole.

My idea is this. Start mulling avenues for interesting ideas that did not make it into the General Plan to be given new life. Then let people know there is a "second chance" for their idea(s) to be considered and implemented through another mechanism. Below are examples I came up with. I have a hunch there are more.

• Change by Us Phoenix ~ http://changebyusphx.org/
• HandsOn Greater Phoenix ~ http://www.handsonphoenix.org/
• Public Allies Arizona ~ http://lodestar.asu.edu/leadership/publicalliesaz
• RetroPHX ~ http://www.retrophx.com/
• Volunteer Phoenix ~ http://www.myvolunteerphoenix.org/

A recap, update, and continuing next steps can be presented at multiple events, including Phoenix Urban Design Week in April 2013: http://www.phxudw.com/

4 Comments
  • comment icon

    by Ardyce E Some of these ideas would qualify as valid projects for the next bond cycle.I'm going to comment to this point on some of them.

    Sep 05, 2012 at 9:13 PM  
  • Bob D3

    by Bob D3 We are at multiple simultaneous and contiguous crossroads - the intersection of fossil fuel costs, declining easy water availability, the decline of the American middle class and the intensity of urban competition globally. Each thinking person needs to talk with each other thinking person here and now, and learn, somehow, to respect divergent viewpoints held in good faith.

    Sep 04, 2012 at 1:16 PM  
  • Will Novak

    by Will Novak I really think now is the time to bring back the "Phoenix Futures Forum" idea. Our City feels like its at some kind of crossroads, and we need City wide engagement, in person, talking about the future of our City.

    Then the most important thing once that happens is to focus on implementation. So many great plans over the years get compiled and languish on a shelf. We have to find a way to prevent that.

    Sep 04, 2012 at 12:43 PM  
  • Jim M18

    by Jim M18 In addition to the online MyPlanPHX, the city "will hold planPHX forums throughout the city that will offer opportunities for residents to brainstorm their ideas and receive feedback from peers and council members. Attendance from all residents of all ages is encouraged, and scheduling is in the works to host a forum just for kids." These small-scale forums may not have the "oomph" as the previous "Phoenix Futures Forum," but it is something. Here is the meeting list: http://1.usa.gov/UDsQmi

    City officials also plan to hold spontaneous planPHX events at local coffee shops, light rail stops, sporting events, Food Truck Fridays, and on-the-street interviews w/ Channel 11.

    Here's something that just popped into my inbox, NOT from the City of Phoenix, but the Arizona Town Hall and their September 13 Forum on Civic Engagement where you can "share your ideas and collaborative spirit in shaping the future of our communities and state." Details here: http://bit.ly/Qe7rgB

    Sep 09, 2012 at 8:59 PM  

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