Flower Mound looking to create commission to help make community better

The town of Flower Mound is looking to create a commission that would work to make the community better.

The proposed commission stems from the All Together Flower Mound initiative held earlier this year that collected ideas from 51 people spread over eight focus group meetings. The goal of the initiative, according to the town, was "to think of ideas and solutions to make Flower Mound better while also increasing engagement and participation with the town."

Ideas that came out of the focus groups included reflecting more diversity on the town's website, making welcome packets available to renters, promoting more non-town events, using message boards for meetings and highlighting cultural events and other activities. Based on feedback from focus groups, the town is also looking to host a new Celebrating Cultures festival as well as a Holi Festival in March and Diwali Festival in October. Other ideas related to increasing educational opportunities through the library and expanding National Night Out.

At the council's July 15 strategic planning session, council members talked more about the idea of continuing the efforts through a volunteer board. Council directed staff to ensure the commission meetings would be open to the public.

Council Member Ann Martin said she attended seven of the focus groups meetings and supported the idea of continuing the discussions through a newly created commission.

"We just want to make sure that we're always thinking about how can we continue to make [Flower Mound] better," Martin said. "I have really high hopes for it."

The creation of the commission is scheduled to be voted on at the Aug. 2 Town Council meeting. The proposal calls for a seven-member commission that would be selected as part of the town's annual appointments to volunteer boards and commissioners. Members could be residents or business owners in Flower Mound. The first meeting would be in October with meetings held bimonthly, according to discussion.

In addition to generating ideas, the commission members would serve as ambassadors to promote programs and services in town and be an information resource.