Cookout Conversations and biennial survey solicit resident feedback and ideas

RIVER FALLS – The City of River Falls is currently providing two opportunities to solicit feedback from residents. On Thursday, Aug. 19, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Wells Park, 250 Kennedy St., Mayor Dan Toland will host the second of four Cookout Conversations _in 2021. Hot dogs, ice cream, chips, and pop will be served.

In addition to the cookouts, the City has recently opened its fifth biennial Citizen Survey to all City residents through Aug. 27, 2021. The online survey can be accessed at: https://polco.us/snfaka The Cookout Conversations program was launched in summer 2019 to provide an informal occasion for residents to hold conversations, ask questions, and share ideas with Mayor Toland, Council representatives, and staff leaders. Events were held in each of the city’s four aldermanic districts, though residents were invited to attend any or all events.

“I was very pleased with the turnout in 2019,” said Mayor Dan Toland. “We learned a lot about both neighborhood and citywide wants and needs and were able to incorporate some of what we learned into our initiatives for the year.”

Due to COVID-19, the program was put on hold in 2020. The first 2021 cookout was held July 22 in Highview Meadows Park with around 50 participants. The remaining three events are scheduled for:

•Thursday, Aug. 19, 6-7:30 p.m., Wells Park, 250 Kennedy St. (District 2)

•Thursday, Sept. 16, 6-7:30 p.m., Kinni Trail near Winter Street Bridge (District 3)

•Thursday, Oct. 14, 6-7:30 p.m., Glen Park pavilion (District 4)

Community survey

Over 2,200 households were randomly selected to complete the city’s fifth biennial Citizen Survey in mid-July. On Aug. 13, the online survey was open to all River Falls residents, which can be accessed at:_https://polco.us/snfaka “Resident feedback from the surveys is important to how we assess city services and livability,” said City Administrator Scot Simpson. “Being able to compare the surveys from year-to-year lets us know how we’re meeting the benchmarks we established based on previous responses.”

The survey deadline is Aug. 27. Households which were invited to participate in the random survey, are asked to use the link or paper survey they were provided in mid-July. Questions about the survey can be directed to City Hall at 715-425-0900.

“Resident engagement is essential to our work,” said Simpson. “We are always looking for new ways to listen and gather feedback. What we hear and learn and the ideas we receive really help shape City programs and services.”

Submitted by City of River Falls

Photo courtesy of City of River Falls