Public Engagement Process for the Environmental Vision
Public Engagement Process for the Environmental Vision
An environmental vision outlines the long-term plans for the environment in which we live, work, socialize, and relax. It outlines what we want to preserve, strengthen, and develop in our municipality. An environmental vision is an important tool for the municipality: every new plan is evaluated against it. Given the importance and impact of the environmental vision on the future of our municipality, we believe it is important that this vision be developed together with you.
Working Together Toward an Environmental Vision in 3 Steps
Our process for developing an environmental vision consists of three steps. At each step, you, as a resident, have the opportunity to contribute your ideas. In brief, the three steps are as follows:
Step 1: A Good Start
In the first step, we work on a clear overview of the ambitions and challenges in West Maas en Waal. This includes, for example, the challenge of new construction, energy transition, but also what facilities we will need in the future. We achieve this overview by:
- Discussions with the municipality’s policy staff (the “policy thinkers”)
- Discussions with representatives from the municipality (the “area planners”). Read more Full report on the workshop with the area strategists.
These regional thinkers consist of three groups:- the villages (with representation from the village platforms, for example)
- rural areas (including, for example, farmers and the water board)
- the recreational area (including, for example, recreational businesses)
- A survey for all residents and business owners. Read the survey results: (11.1 MB).
This information gives us a clear picture of what is happening in the municipality. Based on this, we will determine the possible courses of action in step 2.
Step 2: Environmental Vision Plan
In the second step, we will explore the goals and challenges in greater depth:
- For each theme, we define the key priorities.
We do this in collaboration with policy and regional experts. - Based on this, we are developing a “decision-making tool”
. This tool visualizes the key choices associated with the various challenges. It shows the options available for each challenge, as well as the potential areas or locations for specific challenges. Sometimes tasks can be combined. But sometimes they cannot, and choices must be made. We use this decision-making tool to weigh our options. We develop these together with policymakers, area planners, and residents. - A tour of all the villages
Together with residents, we’ll explore the available options and understand how you, as a resident, view these choices.
Step 3: Draft Environmental Vision
In the third step, we will use all the input received to develop the specific direction for the environmental vision.
- Together with policy experts and regional planners, we are drafting a preliminary report on the environmental vision. Read the report dated November 7, 2023.
- Opportunity to provide feedback (572 KB) on the draft report for all residents.
- We will use this input to develop what is known as the draft environmental vision.
- Presentation of the draft environmental vision to the executive board and the municipal council. They will be kept regularly informed throughout the development process.
- The final environmental vision is now available for public review. Residents can still submit comments to the municipality.
- The municipal council ultimately municipal council the environmental vision. From that point on, it serves as the guiding policy for the municipality. We use it to evaluate all plans and initiatives.