MARSHALL — Planning for the future is an important task for local government — but it’s just as important to get citizens’ input in making those plans, Marshall City Administrator Sharon Hanson said. That’s a big reason why city staff are inviting local residents to attend a community-wide planning session today at the Marshall Area YMCA.

“We’re really coming in with a blank slate,” and gathering feedback from residents, Hanson said. “I think it’s important for staff and the (city) council to get an outside perspective.”

The feedback gathered from tonight’s meeting will help shape Marshall’s strategic plan for the next few years. In turn, that strategic plan could help update the city’s current comprehensive plan, Hanson said.

The community meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the YMCA. Hanson said the meeting will use the World Cafe format, which involves having conversations and generating ideas in small groups. The event will have a facilitator, but the discussion will still be flexible enough for residents to brainstorm and talk about a wide variety of topics.

“We plan on having it casual and informal,” Hanson said. “Everyone will have an opportunity to speak,” she said, but with the way the event is set up, people don’t necessarily have to get up in front of the entire room to add their thoughts.

Some of the possible things to include in the strategic plan include economic development, community infrastructure, public safety, and community outreach. But it will be the community’s feedback that will really guide the discussion, Hanson said. Anyone who wants to can attend and be part of the discussion.

Hanson said community feedback gathered today can help shape the city’s goals beyond just the strategic plan for 2020-2024. Marshall’s current city comprehensive plan dates back to 1996, and Hanson said the city will be looking at updating it.

Hanson said the feedback gathered tonight will be helpful as the city goes into strategic planning sessions on Tuesday.