Vision for the Future

Are you a Longboat Key resident or stakeholder?

Then, the town wants to hear from you.

Your mission: Help the town shape its future.

As of the Thursday, Sept. 19 meeting of a subcommittee formed to prepare for the Urban Land Institute’s October visit and study, the town had compiled a list of 138 residents and individuals who are familiar with the Key to be considered for interviews.

Town planner Alaina Ray estimated that town officials suggested approximately one-third of those names, while 50 submitted their names for consideration. The remainder came from town staff making calls to seek individuals from under-represented demographics.

One hard-to-find group: residents under the age of 40.

The purpose of the study is to seek analysis and recommendations for how the town can plan for the next 20 years.

Never been involved at Town Hall before?

The town is especially interested in your input.

“It’s the people who aren’t engaged who we want to hear from,” said committee member Tom Freiwald. “We don’t need all the usual suspects.”

Applications are due Monday, Sept. 30, and are available at longboatkey.org/ULI.

A public reception to kick off the study will take place at 5:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, at a location to be determined.

Panelists will interview selected residents and others by appointment only Oct. 22.

The panel will present its recommendations to the Longboat Key Town Commission at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at Town Hall.