Beyond the Usual Suspects: Innovative Approaches to Engagement

Session 1B | Wednesday | 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM (PT)

About the Session

Are you tired of hearing public comments on repeat from the same frequent flyers? We are, too! We know that many community members have traditionally been left out of local government planning processes. Creating an equitable and inclusive comprehensive plan that reflects community priorities requires the participation of ALL voices. This session will explore how the City of Bellingham stepped outside the box with community partners to leverage existing relationships and create a more representative planning process. Learn about the challenges and opportunities of innovative collaboration efforts and how this work will help inform the 2025 Bellingham Plan's along with the implementation of work thereafter. It is not a perfect science, but that is part of the magic.

About the Moderator

Sydney Prusak, AICP

City of Bellingham

Sydney Prusak, AICP is a long-range planner with the City of Bellingham. Prior to Bellingham, Sydney worked primarily in development review for the City of Madison, Wisconsin. Currently, Sydney is working on Bellingham's Comprehensive Plan update. Her work focuses on public engagement, economic development, and community well-being.

About the Speakers

Anya Luisa Gedrath, AICP

City of Bellingham

Anya holds a Masters Degree in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University with a specialization in land use and environmental planning, and a particular interest in food systems. Her commitment to sustainable and equitable community development brought her to the world of planning after completing her undergraduate degree in environmental studies. After spending several years working in short-range planning, Anya now works as a long-range planner with a focus on updating several chapters of the comprehensive plan. When sheâ€™s out of the office, she likes to dive into creative pursuits, outdoor adventures, travels, and more.

Natalie Sacker

Sustainability and Engagement Consultant at Peak Sustainability Group

Natalie Sacker is a Sustainability and Engagement Consultant at Peak where she supports local governments, businesses, and non-profits with their climate planning and engagement processes. She earned a combined degree in Business and Sustainability from Western Washington University and was part of the first cohort of the University's Climate Leadership certificate program. She utilizes her experience constructing GHG inventories, climate reporting, and analyzing city-level climate policy to support clients in their mitigation and resilience goals. She supports clients in creating effective, equity-centered community engagement processes, informed by her training in community-based social marketing, ADEI, and public participation.

Rebeca Sixto

Vamos Leadership Team, Vamos Outdoors Project

Rebeca is from Tlaxcala, Mexico, and immigrated at the age of nine. She grew up in Manson, WA until she moved to Bellingham. As a first-generation migrant student in the United States, she is the first and only individual in her immediate family to earn a bachelor's degree. She understands the struggles most youth of color face and continues to face. I understand how difficult it is to break cultural diversity, language barriers, and social injustices. She grew up with a single mother who has worked in agriculture since their arrival in the US. The most important lesson she learned from her migrant family is the meaning of hard work. Rebeca has always been fascinated by the outdoors and being in Bellingham has allowed her to embrace her passion for exploring. She hopes to serve as a bridge between children and the unlimited possibilities and resources Bellingham has to offer.

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