Emmett/Gem County Community Review Report Summary

Preface
This document provides an overview of the Emmett/Gem County Community Review as
experienced by a group of 20 community development professionals in the months leading
up to May 20-21, 2003 and in the months that followed. Its purpose is to describe some of
the many observations, conversations, recommendations, resources, visions, and
perspectives recorded throughout this inclusive and comprehensive process.
It is our sincere hope that the information in this report be digested, discussed, and used as a
catalyst for continued community development in Emmett and the surrounding Gem
County region. This report has many potential uses:
• Promoting increased communication, collaboration, and cooperation among the
many stakeholders in the region
• Updating and maintaining the integrity and accountability of a shared City/County
Comprehensive Plan and supporting future strategic planning efforts
• Supplementing future grant applications demonstrating regional commitment to
established principles of community development
This report does not represent all of the ideas and opinions of Emmett’s diverse community
residents, nor does it hold all of the answers. It contains internal reflections of Emmett and
Gem County residents, their perceptions of community strengths and weaknesses, and their
vision of the future. This report additionally contains observations, practical suggestions,
and resource recommendations from visitors to the region. Please take what you can use in
establishing a community vision, prioritizing the next steps, finding community consensus,
setting goals and objectives, taking action, and celebrating victories and achievements along
the way.
Emmett’s forward progress and effectiveness in achieving its vision of the future will be
determined by the will, commitment, planning, and communication of those in the
community who hold or assume a leadership role and motivate others to action behind a
shared vision. Please call on members of the visiting team, your partners in community
development, because we want to support your efforts. Our goal is to increase the wealth
and vitality of Emmett, Gem County, and the surrounding region.
The document is divided into five main sections:
Part One, Introduction and Overview, contains a brief description of the Community Review
process, history, and participants, the approximate value of the in-kind donations made by
Visiting Team members, why the review was requested, the focus areas defined for the
review, and a brief overview of the Emmett and Gem County region and its history.
Part Two, Executive Summary, Strategic Thoughts & Themes, & Team Reports, presents the heart of
the review with a close examination of the requested focus areas. This section reflects the
thoughts of the visiting team members in an Executive Summary and focus areas of Local
Economic Development, Infrastructure, Land Use & Community Design, and Civic Life &
Community Involvement.
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