Lost Creek Civic Organization: Introduction

Lost Creek Civic Organization

Introduction

Enhanced quality of life and economic value through civic engagement

June 22, 2015

LCCO Organizational Committee

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Topics

● Role● Lost Creek Needs a Formal Civic Organization● Neighborhood Organizations● Characteristics● Strategy● Status● Next Steps

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Organizational Committee

Ashley Crutchfield

Barbara Crutchfield

Barbara Szalay

Bob Crutchfield

Carla Doyne

Karen McAfee

Paul Schumann

Sam Mirrop

Sandy Whitney

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LCCO Role

●The role of the Lost Creek Civic Organization ● To act as the governmental liaison on issues related to the quality of life and economic welfare of the community (City, County, EISD, and State) ●To conduct research, facilitate conversations, and reach positions, on those issues.

●It’s among similar organizations active in many other large communities throughout Austin and the country.

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Lost Creek Needs a Formal Civic Organization

● City of Austin Annexation● Growing Number of Issues● More Involvement Needed in Public Forums● A Mechanism for Political Force● Provide the Opportunity For a Voice for Every Resident ● Organization Devoted Solely to Civic Matters

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Sample of Known Civic Issues

● Loop 360

● Marshall Tract

● CodeNext

● Lost Creek Future Land Use Map

● Lost Creek Master Plan

● Mass Transit

● Water Rates and Conservation

● Environment

● Imagine Austin

● Jurisdictional Liaison (City, County, EISD, State)

● Bee Caves Rd Improvements

● MOPAC South Improvements

● EISD Bond Programs

● Fire Protection and Prevention in Greenbelt Areas Not Covered by Lost Creek Limited District

● Liaison with Other Civic Organizations

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Neighborhood Organizations & Services

Community Development● Lost Creek Limited District

● Lost Creek Neighborhood Association

● Lost Creek Moms’ Club

● Lost Creek Dads’ Club

● Lost Creek Home and Garden Club

● Nextdoor Lost Creek

Civic Engagement● Lost Creek Civic Organization

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LCCO Characteristics

● Incorporated as a state nonprofit

● IRC 501(c)(4) non-profit status will be applied for

● Volunteer based

● All land owners (residences and office buildings) within the geographic territory are members. Only homeowners have the right to vote and hold office.

● There will be no dues. All funds are from voluntary contributions or fund raising as permitted by IRC 501(c)(4).

● A loose, open, transparent, and inclusive organization

● Communicates through various media

● Known to governments and media as the formal liaison to/from Lost Creek for civic issues

● Holds a minimum of one physical meeting or virtual meeting per quarter with featured speakers

● Welcomes and encourages input from all Lost Creek homeowners and businesses

● Fosters relationships with all neighborhood organizations in Lost Creek

● Fosters community conversations on important issues

● Publishes an electronic calendar of civic events important to Lost Creek

● Facilitates access to information about civic issues affecting the community

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Strategy

●Vision: A community of creative collaboration

● Mission: To protect and enhance the quality of life in, and economic value of, our community

● Goals● Represent all land owners (residences and office buildings) within its geographic area

● Be known as the organization to go to for civic information about the community or issues affecting the community

● Be inclusive, transparent, knowledgeable, and proactive

● Be a viable organization with sustained volunteerism

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Strategy (continued)

● Strategies●Be open

●Encourage and facilitate civic and civil engagement

●Develop good relations with political leaders, government staff, land managers, and media

●Optimize communication and collaboration tools and technologies

●Values●Service

●Community

●Appropriate technology

●Communication

●Environmental awareness

●Teamwork

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Status

● Texas Nonprofit Corporation● Established Web/Network Site–www.lostcreekcivicorganization.org● Drafted Constitution and Bylaws● Accepted in Austin Community Registry● Prepared Announcement & Roll Out Plan

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Web/Network Site

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Web/Network Site (continued)

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Next Steps

● Announcement

●Post Card to Homeowners●E-mail to Residents●Letters to Commercial Property Landowners

● Identification of Founding Officers and Board Members

● Contact Appropriate Government Officials and Staff

● Press Release to Appropriate Media

● Announce First Meeting