What is the working group, and what will it be responsible for managing?
The working group will be composed of five members, mirroring the successful collaborative approach used to plan the July 4, 2023 activities. The working group will research and evaluate all facets of the planning process. The working group will undertake research, community engagement activities, and conduct RFQ/RFP processes to inform recommendations to the City Council as the ultimate decision-making authority. Updates will be provided regularly to ensure that community members are actively apprised of the group’s work.
Will meetings of the working group be open to the public?
Yes. The City is committed to values that include inclusion, transparency, respecting and valuing all opinions, understanding that the outcome of this work effort will last for decades. All meeting agendas and minutes will be posted to the City’s web site, the meetings will be open to the public, updates will be provided regularly via the City’s enews, and the working group will obtain public input through a variety of methods, including in-person and virtual focus groups and the use of technology to allow for confidential and anonymous feedback.
What are the benefits of a collaboration between two independent units of government?
This approach mirrors the planning process for the July 4, 2023 activities. A debrief of participating staff, elected officials, and community feedback indicated that this complex undertaking was well-served by a collaborative working group of professionals from both units of government. The flexibility of this approach identified clear responsibilities and ensured that each agency utilized its strengths in the most efficient manner. Providing for the permanent membership of a Park District representative offers the consistency that is needed for effective collaboration. As with the City, additional Park District staff members will provide support as needed.
A City Council member (to be determined) will be assigned as a permanent member of the working group.
Will other City Council members be able to participate?
Elected officials provide essential insight as they serve as the voice of the people at all levels of government. Each City Council member has unique areas of expertise that are complementary in an undertaking of this magnitude. If there is a need or desire for another City Council member to attend the meeting, the meeting will be noticed and posted as a special meeting of the Committee of the Whole.
How will victims' families and injured survivors be involved in the process?
The City’s Resiliency Division was created to centralize advocacy for victims’ families and injured survivors of this tragedy, with a focus on providing ongoing support. Communication with victims, survivors, and their families is a critical part of this process, and will continue to be provided by the City’s Resiliency Division.
The Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime has repeatedly underscored the importance of establishing a trauma-informed process for the planning of a permanent memorial. It will be the responsibility of the experts in the Resiliency Division to manage the engagement of victims’ families, injured survivors, and those present and directly impacted in a way that thoughtfully and sensitively balances their mental and emotional health needs with the desire to provide input and feedback. The Resiliency Division team will provide an individualized approach to communication and ongoing engagement that serves the needs of each family.
How will the public be involved in the planning process?
Consistent with the City and Park District’s established process for significant planning projects, the working group will consider various public engagement strategies, such as community surveys and focus groups that facilitate inclusive participation, including the opportunity to submit anonymous and confidential feedback
Community input will be solicited before final decisions are made. Information regarding these opportunities for public participation in the process will be posted to cityhpil.com/remembrance and disseminated through the City’s communications modalities, including social media (facebook.com/HighlandParkIL, twitter.com/CityHPIL) and eNews (cityhpil.com/signup.) Meeting information will be available at cityhpil.com/agendacenter.
Have any decisions been made concerning the location, form or design of the Place of Remembrance?
This process is just beginning. Based upon the experiences of other communities, the City anticipates that this will be a minimum three-year undertaking, a timeline which may require adjustment once a location, design, and form are decided upon.
How will construction be funded?
The working group is tasked with exploring funding options. The City anticipates fundraising will be a component of the planning process. City Council and/or the Park Board of Commissioners may also elect to direct public funds towards planning and/or construction; any such efforts would be part of each entity’s public budgeting process. Individuals interested in making a gift to the future Place of Remembrance may do so at cityhpil.com/remembrance.
What are the next steps?
The public will be made aware of the working group’s first meeting in advance and will be welcome to attend. All opportunities for public engagement will be communicated by the City and Park District. Topics for future consideration include location, funding, design, and maintenance.
