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<br />Abstract <br /> <br />its open spaces. In response, the City of Ramsey, through its comprehensive plan update, is looking for <br />innovative strategies that create a platform for discussion and engagement on the value of natural resources as <br />they pertain to sustainable development. Through the Resilient Communities Project (RCP), our group in the <br />Humphrey School class, PA 5253: Designing Planning and Participation Processes, worked with the City to <br />develop communications strategies for both Ramsey residents and developers, as well as to produce a strategy <br />for ongoing community engagement. We used a series of case studies, literature reviews, and informational <br />interviews with subject matter experts to identify a series of strategic actions for the Ramsey Communications <br />plan. The proposed strategic actions include; to develop and enhance the scope of the Environmental Policy <br />Board, utilize strategic education tools, and launch a frequently asked questions page geared towards <br /> <br />Executive Summary <br /> <br />The City of Ramsey, a vibrant municipality located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Rum Rivers in <br />southern Anoka County, has nearly 3,710 acres of natural areas (City of Ramsey, 2007). These areas represent a <br />variety of distinct natural ecosystem types including forest, woodland, shrubland, herbaceous wetlands, and <br />grasslands, as well as areas of o <br />urban centers of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and its location along Highway 10 are all contributing factors to <br />strong growth pressures within Ramsey. Currently, over 51% of the land cover within the city is impervious <br />surface and associated areas (City of Ramsey, 2007). This includes residential, commercial, and industrial parcels <br />with impervious cover ranging from 4% to 100%. Growing interest in development could increase the proportion <br />of artificial surface areas in the city. In response to the growing interest in development, Ramsey is looking for <br />innovative strategies to create a platform for discussion and engaging with the community on the value of <br />natural resources as they pertain to sustainable development during the critical time frame of the <br />comprehensive plan update. <br />The City of Ramsey currently supports an Environmental Policy Board (EPB). The EPB reviews, considers, and <br />recommends policies, plans or projects that could preserve or infringe on the natural environment in the city. <br />Other city-led initiatives include recycling day events, lake management and stormwater plans. These types of <br />events, along with the EPB meetings, act as platforms for natural resource information sessions. However, there <br />have had historically low attendance rates. Fortunately opportunities exist to expand public outreach at <br />community events, to engage community stakeholders, and to established institutions/groups. Taking <br />advantage of these opportunities allows residents to be more involved in making decisions around the future of <br />their community and its resources. <br /> <br /> <br />1 <br /> <br />