Specifications include, but are not limited to: Task 1: Design and Execute an Inclusive Outreach Plan: The selected firm will develop and implement an Inclusive Outreach Plan that identifies priority populations and utilizes the fundamental principles of Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). This plan will outline strategies for engaging with diverse community members, including traditionally marginalized groups, to ensure their voices are heard and their perspectives are integrated into the work program and ultimately, the comprehensive planning process. The outreach plan may utilize a variety of communication channels, formats, strategies, and languages to reach a broad cross-section of the community. It will also include mechanisms for gathering feedback and input from stakeholders, such as public meetings, focus groups, surveys, and online platforms. Importantly, Benton County and DLCD envision Task 1 of this project helping to inform a future update of “Goal 1: Citizen Involvement” of Oregon’s Statewide Land Use Planning Goals. Task 2: Design a DLCD-Approved Work Program for “A Regional Vision for Collaborative Resilience”: In concert with Benton County and DLCD, the successful firm will help to plan and facilitate a series of county-wide dialogues to create a DLCD-approved work program. The successful firm will assist in determining and outlining which of the fifteen relevant Statewide Land Use Planning Goals will form the work program. The work program will define strategies and actions to enhance the resilience of the county and its communities in the face of social, economic, and environmental challenges, including climate change, natural disasters, economic downturns, and a housing crisis, among other critically important issues. The work program will include stakeholder engagement activities, research and analysis, visioning workshops, and the development of goals, objectives, and strategies to guide the comprehensive planning process. Task 3: Provide Guidance for Equity and Inclusion Self-Assessment: The successful firm will provide basic guidance to the Benton County Community Development Department to perform an Equity and Inclusion Self-Assessment on Tasks 1 and 2. This assessment will evaluate the effectiveness of the outreach efforts and engagement strategies in reaching diverse community members and ensuring their meaningful participation in the planning process. The assessment will also identify any barriers or challenges to equitable and inclusive engagement and provide recommendations for addressing them.
