SALISBURY — Salisbury will bring in two experts on community transformation and citizen participation for City Council’s annual strategic planning retreat, including a former mayor of Atlanta.
Council members will hold Salisbury’s 29th annual retreat, dubbed the Future Directions and Goal Setting Conference. The city traditionally features luncheon guest speakers during the two-day event.
While the retreat will be open to the public, the luncheons are invitation-only.
Shirley Franklin, former mayor of Atlanta, will speak Feb. 12.
During her eight years as mayor, Franklin was known for her collaborative approach to solving tough urban problems, Salisbury Mayor Paul Woodson said.
Franklin currently serves as chairwoman and CEO of Purpose Built Communities, a nonprofit consulting firm dedicated to transforming struggling neighborhoods into vibrant, sustainable communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Salisbury has been working on the West End Transformation Plan. City Council chose Franklin to share the success of the Purpose Built Model and how the components necessary for holistic neighborhood revitalization can be brought together to transform communities, as evidenced by the successful redevelopment of portions of Atlanta, Woodson said.
Susan Clark also will speak Feb. 13.
Clark wrote “Slow Democracy,” a book that examines how citizens around the country are breathing new life into their communities and bridging traditional political divides to make genuine progress, Woodson said.
Clark focuses on community sustainability and citizen participation, and she will share guidelines for reinvigorating local decision making that is inclusive, deliberative and citizen-powered.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.