Even if you missed the Big Idea Workshops for ValpoNEXT, opportunities for submitting ideas continue with an online discussion forum at valponext.mindmixer.com. “We hope people will log on and become part of the discussion. We welcome further ideas and feedback. What do you want to see added in Valpo? What elements of Valpo are crucial for us to prosper?” said Matt Evans, longtime Valpo resident and co-chair of the ValpoNEXT committee. The online forum will introduce questions on a variety of topics in the coming months.
Valparaiso’s interactive ValpoNEXT visioning initiative kicked off last week with three Big Idea Workshops. Roughly 300 people joined in the community-wide discussions, contributing ideas related to the quality of neighborhoods, schools and transportation, attracting the best talent and jobs, creating a more inclusive community and more innovative learning opportunities for all young people. “We loved seeing people engaged in sharing ideas about what they want to see in Valparaiso for the coming decades,” said Elizabeth Lynn, Valpo resident and co-chair of ValpoNEXT.
The visioning process will result in a specific implementation plan for the next 20 to 30 years. The plan is expected to be complete by late summer, but it all begins with people. To learn more about the ValpoNEXT visioning project, visit www.valponext.org or find it on Facebook at “Valpo Next.” You may also call Valparaiso’s Planning Director, Tyler Kent, at 219-462-1161 x. 3331.