Want a say in planning New Bedford's future? Then check out this open house.

NEW BEDFORD - Residents are being asked to weigh in on their vision for the city's future at a Saturday, Feb. 11 open house that will also include free family activities, raffles and refreshments.

The city will host the Public Engagement Open House at Gomes School, 286 S. 2nd St. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All community members are invited to learn about the Citywide Comprehensive Plan process and contribute by sharing their vision for the future of New Bedford, according to the press release.

The Comprehensive Plan is a long-term guidance document for policy and decision-making in a variety of areas, including Land Use, Housing, Economic Development, Transportation and Mobility, Natural and Cultural Resources, Open Space and Recreation, Public Services and Facilities.

Community participation is an integral part of the Comprehensive Plan process and input from city residents will directly inform the goals and strategies that guide the next decade of New Bedford’s development, according to the release.

“As a regional center known for creative approaches to city building, New Bedford is uniquely positioned to take advantage of what the next decade has to offer,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “We are expanding our industrial port and diversifying our economic base. We continue to elevate our quality of life through public investments in our neighborhoods and city facilities. The most important resource we have for the future is our people - their energy, creativity, their leadership, and their ideas. For that reason, I encourage everyone to participate in this planning process.”

Residents can stop in to the open-house any time from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to participate in Comprehensive Plan activities and speak with representatives from city departments.

Mitchell will give welcome remarks at the event. Raffles, family activities, food, and drinks will also be provided at no cost. Translation services will be available.

The Feb. 11 event is the first in a series of public workshops and listening sessions that will take place throughout 2023. Each event will provide residents with the opportunity to voice their visions and ideas for the future of New Bedford.

Visit www.newbedfordplan.com to learn more about the Comprehensive Plan process, fill out a feedback form, sign up for updates, and see the event calendar.

Departments available include Parks Recreation and Beaches, Human Resources, Health, Environmental Stewardship, Housing and Community Development, Community Services, Fleet and Facilities Management, and City Planning.Contact the Department of City Planning with any questions at 508-979-1488 or Jennifer.Carloni@newbedford-ma.gov.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford hosts open house for residents to help plan city's future