Two Ambassador Information sessions were held as part of the Phase 1 Community Outreach effort. These sessions aimed to gain input from and call to action a diverse group of Plan Ambassadors, who will help broaden outreach into their communities and bring a variety of groups and perspectives to the table. Participants were presented with information on planning, public participation and the Charlotte 2040 project background. The presentation and discussion included the importance of community engagement to the planning process as well as key talking points about the Comprehensive Plan.

A group discussion and wall graphic session identified opportunities and challenges for the Plan, key questions for the engagement process, potential partners, ambassador outreach ideas and audiences, and the groups overall goals and vision for the future of Charlotte. Key takeaways from the discussion of ambassador outreach avenues included:

• Their is a need to engage in open communication with

community members and effectively listen and collect input.

• Both ambassadors and the groups being reached should represent a diverse cross-section of the City of Charlotte population.

• Ambassadors should consider that not all residents who need to be heard have internet access or speak English.

• Steps should be taken to accommodate these groups as well as those who are unable to attend set meeting times.

Ambassadors were empowered with the idea that they may be unique in their ability to reach hard to reach or under-served groups. For a full list of of input, please see the Appendix of the Public Engagement Summary for Phase 1.

Specific action items communicated to the Plan Ambassadors included: share their input and ideas to shape future engagement;

Invite their networks to participate in events and surveys;

Communicate key findings and opportunities; and share social media posts and fliers to broaden outreach.