Accessible Futures

Most people will never read a Local Board Plan.

Not because they do not care.

Because it is long, full of council language, and can be hard to understand.

So let’s translate it.

The Local Board Plan is simply a guide.

It helps decide what your local board will spend money on and what it will focus on over the next 3 years.

That includes the places and services many of us use every week.

Things like parks, libraries, community centres, local events, walking and cycling paths, accessibility projects, and protecting local heritage.

Why does this matter?

The decisions made today will shape your community for years to come.

If something is important to you, this is your opportunity to let the local board know.

You do not need to be an expert.

You only need to tell them about your experiences and what matters to you.

Does one submission really make a difference?

Yes.

In 2023, only 155 people made a submission on the Franklin Local Board Plan.

Franklin has a population of more than 84,000 people.

That means fewer than 1 in every 500 people shared their views.

Yet those submissions helped shape local priorities.

The Franklin Local Board has said that community feedback influenced decisions such as creating more youth spaces and activities, supporting local events, investing in environmental projects, and improving community facilities.

Imagine what could happen if more people took part.

What can you talk about?

There is no right or wrong answer.

You could tell the local board:

• What you enjoy about your community.

• What could be improved.

• What services are missing.

• What would make your neighbourhood more welcoming or accessible.

• What you would like to see over the next 3 years.

Your lived experience is valuable.

Nobody knows your community better than the people who live there.

Why do so few people make a submission?

Sometimes people think their opinion will not matter.

Sometimes the information feels too complicated.

Sometimes people simply do not know they can have a say.

That is why translating information into plain language matters.

When people understand what they are being asked, they are more likely to take part.

The bottom line

If you have ever said:

“I wish they would…”

This is your chance to finish that sentence.

The Local Board Plan is not just another council document.

It is an opportunity to help shape the future of your community.

Take a few minutes.

Read the plan.

Share your thoughts.

Because communities work best when more people have a seat at the table.

Image by Andrzej Nowak from Pixabay