King County Community Forums Is Seeking Participants

King County’s Countywide Community Forums (CCF) is seeking participants for their upcoming Round 5 of forums, with “Public Trust: Customer Service and Public Engagement,” as the main theme, beginning May 1 and continuing through June 13.

The objective is to highlight efforts to improve how county government responds to citizens through the use of technology and traditional means. For the first time forums will be offered for 6 weeks throughout King County between May 1 and June 13, 2010. To register and find a forum near you, go to CommunityForums.org or call toll-free at (800) 369-2584.

“The issue of public engagement and open government continues to be a major area of interest for county residents,” says Matt Rosenberg, director for CCF, “This next round of forums will take a more comprehensive look at how people interact day-to-day with county services and employees, and whether people believe an initiative like this can make county government more responsive and accountable.”

“King County government must continue to increase government accessibility and transparency,” says Council Chair Bob Ferguson. “I am pleased to participate in this important conversation with our constituents and am looking forward to receiving their feedback.”

Titled “Public Trust: Customer Service and Public Engagement,” the CCF Opinionnaire® survey for Round 5 is the result of a comprehensive process involving the County Executive, Councilmembers, the King County Auditor, community leaders, and King County residents.

Forum participants will be asked to rate their experience with county employees and services, and register their concerns and opinions about how best to access information or provide feedback to county officials. Results of the CCF survey will be tabulated and released to the public and media in early July.

Results from past Rounds are available online at http://www.kingcounty.gov/auditor/communityforums

Over 1,800 people have registered to serve as a Citizen Councilor since the program began in 2007. In 2009, the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2.org) recognized CCF as an innovative project designed to encourage civic engagement.

Unlike a traditional public forum, CCF meetings are small, 4 to 12 people. Each forum lasts about two hours, includes a discussion and a survey, and begins with the viewing

The CCF program uses no taxpayer funds and is free to participants. Anyone living or working in King County is welcome to participate. The program is overseen by the King County Auditor’s office and is managed by the volunteer leadership of Dick Spady, co- founder of Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants Inc., and his sons John and Jim Spady.

To register as a volunteer Citizen Councilor, attend a small group meeting, or host a meeting, go to www.CommunityForums.org or call (206) 296-1633, toll-free (800) 369- 2584, or email CommunityForums@KingCounty.gov.