A student speaks during the County Master Plan presentation.

Clyde A. Erwin High School students recently exemplified one of the most important principles of self-government – how to reach consensus.
 
On Friday, Buncombe County ­Long Range Planning Division Manager Gillian Phillips presented the county’s draft comprehensive plan and asked for feedback from Mr. Brian Gonzales’ social studies and civics classes. The plan lays out the county’s priorities over next 20 years, and Ms. Phillips said her team specifically wants to involve young people in its development.
 
“Any time the team has engaged youth (from elementary age all the way up to college) during this process, we have been inspired by how much they care about their community and how much thought they give into the input they provided,” she said. “Kids are smart, they have great ideas, look at things from a different perspective than adults, and if you ask them they will tell you what they want. We have enjoyed anytime we interacted with youth during this process, their feedback has been important and informative, and we hope they stay involved in local government and planning in the future.”
 
Mr. Gonzales’ students calmly discussed critical issues that can sometimes devolve into bitter arguments – economic development and farmland protection, bikeable streets and traffic, tourism and infrastructure, and how to solve homelessness. Ms. Phillips also described the ways Buncombe County is seeking input from the public and encouraged them to get involved in their local government.
 
“Experiences like these are imperative; they promote a communal sense as we attempt to bridge the generational gap in politics,” said senior Edgar Perez-Palacios. “Having the ability to expound my voice makes me ecstatic.”

Learn more about the county’s draft comprehensive plan.

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