EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In May 2022, Hillsborough County began a public engagement process to ensure that the updated plan resonated with the needs and desires of the community. To achieve this, the county emphasized early and continuous engagement with a diverse range of community stakeholders. The public engagement process was multifaceted. During the summer of 2022, the County organized community listening sessions. These sessions were designed to gather feedback on potential new greenways and suggestions for improvements. In fall 2022, community workshops were held to present drafts of the greenways vision map and the criteria for prioritizing greenway projects. Attendees participated in a visual preference survey to gauge public opinion on various greenway features. Online engagement was another crucial aspect of the public engagement process. The county main- tained an online hub that featured various projects, including the Greenways and Trails Master Plan up- date. This hub, with approximately 40,000 subscrib- ers, was used to launch two surveys that largely rep- licated the content presented at these public meet- ings. An interactive mapping tool allowed survey takers to show the location of their ideas for new greenways and greenway improvements.
A final online engagement opportunity was available in fall 2023 with the draft plan and sought comments on the draft. The Hillsborough Greenways Committee collaborated with the County team and provided feedback and guidance throughout the process, ensuring that the plan aligns with the community ’ s needs and desires. The Committee held eight public meetings over the course of over a year to discuss the plan update. The County collaborated with a variety of community stakeholders, including advocacy organizations like Bike Walk Tampa Bay, Florida Wildlife Corridor, and the Sierra Club of Tampa Bay. Municipal governments, youth organizations, utility companies, and businesses also played a role in shaping the master plan. The 2024 update of the Hillsborough County Green- ways and Trails Master Plan is a testament to the pow- er of public engagement. By actively involving the community at every step, the county has ensured that the master plan reflects the collective vision of its resi- dents, paving the way for a green and sustainable fu- ture.
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY GREENWAYS AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN
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