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Montgomery County seeks citizens' input about its future, regionalism

Public forums starting next month to discuss the area’s future.

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By Joanne Huist Smith, Staff Writer Updated 9:20 AM Friday, January 20, 2012

DAYTON — A yearlong, community conversation is underway in Montgomery County that could shape the way government operates, the scope of public services here and transformation of the economy.

The first forum, MCOFuture:  Our Issues, Aspirations and Opportunities, will be Feb. 16 at Sinclair Community College and is open to the public.

“This is more than a discussion about regionalism. We hope it will bring citizens together to talk about what is our future,” Montgomery County Administrator Deborah Feldman said.

In June, the county commission hired Ohio-based consultant Burges & Burges Strategists to conduct forums on all aspects of regionalism.

That idea has evolved to include public meetings on county challenges and opportunities; the economy and jobs and, public services.

The final forum, tentatively scheduled for November, will link citizen input and research into the best ideas for action.

The contract with Burges, which is up to $197,000, is in partnership with the University of Dayton,  Wright State University, Central State University and Sinclair Community College.

Feldman said a website, MCOFuture.com, will be online by mid-February, so residents unable to attend the forums can share their views and watch edited videos of the meetings.

The forums are just one way the county is gathering research.

Wright State University’s Center for Urban and Public Affairs is about halfway done with a public opinion  survey sampling 400 Montgomery County residents.  Survey questions are in tended to focus on a respondent’s knowledge of local government and appetite for change. Results will be shared at the first forum, said Jane Dockery, associate director of WSU’s Center for Urban Affairs.

WSU and the University  of Dayton also will study best practices used in communities facing challenges similar to Montgomery County and with similar populations.

“Common sense tells us, maybe we need some changes to survive,” Montgomery County Commissioner Deborah Lieberman said, “I think these changes should be community driven.”

Feldman said there is no preconceived plan on how to move forward with the information, once it is all gathered. “Let’s learn what our citizens think, learn what other communities are doing, then let’s build a strategy for the future of Montgomery County,’’ Feldman said. “We’d like to see hundreds of Montgomery County citizens come to the forums and participate.”

Montgomery County forums

Feb. 16: MCOFuture: Our Issues, Aspirations and Opportunities
March-April: MCOFuture: Our Opportunities to Compete and Grow
May-June: MCOFuture: Our Services, taxes and quality of life
August-September: MCOFuture: Our Leadership and Key Success Factors
November: MCO: Our Best Ideas for Action

Forums will be 5-7 p.m. at Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St. Park under Building 12, the Ponitz Center, off W. Fourth St. Go to the first-floor Great Hall.

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