A regional planning organization hopes to involve more people in its processes through the launch of a new website and an interactive regional modeling tool called The Quest, officials announced this week.

FOCUS, a regional planning initiative for Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties, wants to build on the momentum generated by the introduction of regional scenario planning at the organization’s public breakfast event in May, the release stated. Because data gathering and solicitation of public input is the foundation for FOCUS’ planning mission, it was important that the organization find more ways to reach people and get them involved.
 
“Our region’s planning efforts are still centered on data gathering and assessment,” Adrienne Cox, project manager for FOCUS, said in the release. “Technology is a key engagement vehicle for us. It allows us to reach so many more people from their desktops and mobile devices. Offering up new and interesting ways to reach local citizens is important. Broader participation ensures [that] the ultimate outcome of regional planning accurately reflects the ideals of our area as a whole.”

The Quest tool was specifically developed by FOCUS to give its website visitors with a “hands-on experience in discovering the future – educating them on the various options for growing our region and showing them how their own personal preferences and values can shape the destiny of the area they live in,” the release stated.

The Quest’s infographic-style webpage “turns complex content into a fun, interactive experience, easy for anyone to explore and respond to on any device,” the release stated.

Participants can play with regional planning scenarios, explore community tradeoffs and offer feedback on what’s important to them.

Cox said that similar virtual planning concepts used in other areas of the U.S. have attracted strong participation.

The Quest will be available through the summer. FOCUS will then begin to analyze and share input received from participants in the fall of this year, the release stated.