Apply for All Relevant Funding Opportunities
As stakeholders we obviously want our local
government to operate in an efficient and effective manner
with an emphasis
on
low cost. There are currently many state, federal,
even private funding sources available to assist communities
in resolving issues and enhancing services or facilities. The Town should
become more proactive in identifying its needs and pursuing funding
opportunities. Once goals have been identified the Town should
retain the services of grant writers
to research
and apply
for grants
to help accomplish those goals.
Most funders require towns provide matching funds.
The Town should establish and contribute
to an account for that
purpose.
Over-Communicate with
Residents
When communities are struggling with
the issues brought on by growth, the town board and committees
cannot
over-communicate.
People
pay attention and respond to different media. Some people
will never use the internet. Some prefer RSS to email.
Some information is better broadcast by automated telephone messages,
for example, flood and storm alerts.
The Town should leverage available
technology to more easily communicate with
residents. Whenever feasible, residents should have the
opportunity to opt-in or opt-out of a particular mode.
Support for Tourism and Local Businesses
While marketing events, destinations, and businesses remains the
responsibility of the organizers, some publicity can only or
best be arranged by the town. Where that's the case, the town
should support local organizations in any way possible. For
example, the town can apply for grants to cover the costs
of promoting local attractions through
brochures,
maps,
calendars,
and a web site
(or section
of the town web site). Get local destinations and events into
state tourism materials.
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