Town puts focus on engaging with residents

By Jon Show – The new year brought a freshly elected group of public officials to Town Hall and a renewed focus on communication with residents.

The effort is the latest in a series of attempts to open more lines of dialogue, dating back to when most of the current board was elected four years ago. Since then, the town has sought greater input from residents on major initiatives such as the land use plan and parks master plan.

Opening lines

Recent social media initiatives have ramped up promotion of ongoing communication channels that have long been available, such as attending town board, advisory board and committee meetings.

Social media posts have listed dates for the full slate of Town Board meetings for 2026 and promoted public meetings, including sessions of the Transportation Advisory Board and Planning Board.

The town is also posting individual meeting agendas on social media so residents can see what topics will be discussed to determine whether they want to provide feedback.

Live and archived video of Town Board and Planning Board meetings — long streamed online and through the town portal — is also posted on Facebook.

For residents not on social media, the town provides regular updates through the Keeping Up With Cornelius e-newsletter, which is sent twice a month.

Personal touch

Public Information Officer Emma Mondo has added personality and creativity to the town’s social media feeds.

Recent informational videos show elected officials and town staff recreating scenes from Home Alone and Mission: Impossible, along with a New Year’s resolution post promoting parks and events, and profiles of town staff.

Mondo

When developers needed to close lanes on West Catawba Avenue last month, town staff conducted a ride-along with a Cornelius police officer to explain the closure and provide alternate routes.

“We want to be as relatable as possible so people know we’re trying to reach them and let them know what’s happening, but also do it in a fun way,” Mondo said.

Wait, there’s more

The town is also working to educate residents about municipal operations, including budgeting and governance.

The introduction this spring of Cornelius 101 is a free, seven-week program designed to provide a hands-on look at town government. Participants will learn from representatives of the planning, parks and recreation, public works, police and fire departments.

The town said residents “can expect to gain a deeper understanding of key topics,” including development approvals and the status of ongoing road projects.

Elected officials have also made changes to better connect with residents.

Beginning last month, Mayor Denis Bilodeau is inviting residents to join him each Monday at 7 a.m. at Jetton Park for a one-mile “walk and talk,” with topics set by attendees.

Weekly coffee chats, which drew limited attendance, have been replaced with targeted visits to groups affected by specific issues. The board recently met with downtown residents at Barley Market to discuss the master plan.

Speaking up

Residents have long had opportunities to provide input on matters requiring a vote, including proposals and budgets presented at committee and advisory board meetings such as parks, planning and predevelopment.

Agendas are posted in advance, meetings are open to the public, and residents can comment in person before votes, often receiving a direct response.

In November, Cornelius residents Carlyn Flake and Lindsey Seidman addressed the Parks and Recreation Commission, requesting additional support to curb unruly teen behavior at Glen Oak Green Park. Their concerns led to enhanced security measures, and families reported feeling safer returning to the park.

Later that month, about 50 residents attended a Town Board meeting to voice concerns about the downtown master plan. The board responded by delaying their vote on the plan to allow more time for public review and feedback.

In later discussions with residents, Town Commissioner Todd Sansbury said that while residents participated in listening sessions during the plan’s 18-month development, they wanted more time to review the final proposal.

“We realized we had given people plenty of time to help shape the plan, but we didn’t give them enough time to review what the plan ultimately was,” Sansbury said.

Get engaged

Residents often say they are unaware of Town Board decisions on issues such as roads, zoning and development, but attendance tends to be light at engagement events such as listening sessions.

For example, a December town session on the future bike and pedestrian plan drew about 50 residents, despite widespread concerns about e-bikes and pedestrian safety.

Furcht

The annual budget survey, which was promoted more heavily this year, received 1,100 responses — its highest total ever — up more than 20% from previous years. Still, that represents just 4% of the town’s nearly 25,000 registered voters.

“If you want to find out more about our town, there are plenty of ways to do that, but you have to do your part,” Commissioner Colin Furcht said. “Almost everything we do is in an open forum. That’s always been the frustrating part. We put ourselves out there, and it’s a challenge to get people to show up.”