The City of Melbourne is inviting residents to participate in a community engagement effort aimed at shaping future city plans. The initiative, which launched this month, includes online surveys, public forums, and a series of town hall meetings scheduled through October. Officials say the goal is to gather input on issues ranging from infrastructure to public safety. "We want to hear directly from the people who live and work here," said City Manager Lisa Martinez during a recent press briefing. "This isn't just about collecting opinions—it's about making sure our policies reflect the needs of the community." The city has divided the engagement process into three phases. The first phase, which runs through September, focuses on identifying key concerns through an online portal. The second phase, starting in early October, will feature in-person meetings at city hall and five neighborhood centers. A final phase in late October will consolidate feedback into actionable recommendations for city council. So far, the city has received over 1,200 responses to the initial survey, with transportation and affordable housing cited as top concerns. The initiative builds on a 2022 city report that highlighted a growing need for updated infrastructure and expanded services in outlying neighborhoods. Residents can access the survey at melbourne-fl.gov/communityinput or attend any of the 12 planned meetings, which will be held in both English and Spanish. The city has also partnered with local schools to distribute materials to students, who will then share the information with families. "This is about ensuring every voice is heard," Martinez said. "Whether you're a long-time resident or new to the area, your input matters." The final recommendations will be presented to the city council in November, with implementation plans expected by early 2024.