The council on Oct. 13 moved to keep the consultant’s advertised public‑engagement schedule for the Naples 2045 comprehensive-plan update, including two community workshops on Nov. 13, while affirming plans for additional outreach and review in winter 2026. The vote followed a lengthy exchange about whether initial community workshops should wait until January to better reach seasonal residents.

Erica Martin, the planning director, said the project team had proposed November workshops followed by additional public engagement in February and a PAB review in March. The Planning Advisory Board, which reviewed the schedule on Oct. 8, passed a motion asking council to consolidate the public engagement into January–March so seasonal residents would be present.

Johnson Engineering (prime), Clarion Associates and CMA Outreach presented the engagement format: a slide/poll kickoff, randomized small‑table exercises on (1) “small‑town character,” (2) resiliency and hazards, and (3) the city’s “green jewel” assets, then public comment. The consultants said results would be posted on the project site (naples2045.com) and summarized for planning board and council.

Several PAB members had argued in favor of postponing the first round so that visitors and second‑home residents would be in town. Council members split on the question but ultimately instructed staff and the consultant to hold the November meetings and to present the November findings to council and PAB by mid‑January; staff and consultants also agreed to hold follow-up workshops in February if necessary. Council also asked staff to ensure the Nov. 13 meeting materials are published online in advance and to coordinate TV/webcasting if feasible.

Several councilors and PAB members requested that elected officials and appointed board members be present only as observers (not as breakout-table participants or facilitators) to avoid chilling public conversation or creating perceived conflicts. The city attorney advised that public meetings are open and that council members may attend, but the council agreed to discourage active participation at breakout tables by councilors and PAB members.

Council asked consultants to proceed with the outreach, to provide a summary of public responses for a Jan. 20 joint workshop with PAB, and to return with updated drafts and a timeline for staff, PAB and final transmittal to the state in 2026.