LISBON – The first of three sessions to get people and businesses involved in shaping the future of the town focused on facilities, services, education, housing and land use.

Economic and Community Development Director Rosie Bradley co-hosted the event by the Lisbon Revitalization Committee last week. Topsham planner Rich Roedner also shared his experiences with visioning sessions in that town.

Bradley explained that the visioning process is to think about where Lisbon wants to be in 10, 15, or 20 years and how to get there. “This is only the beginning of creating a road map to better the community for future generations,” she said.

Participants were told it is important to understand that revitalizing a town is not a 100-yard dash but a marathon.

Attendees broke into groups to discuss issues facing the town and shared ideas and suggestions. They were asked, “What will have been done to make Lisbon a great place?” and were given the opportunity to finish the question, “In 20 years Lisbon would have …”

The second and third sessions will be held next year; one on a weekday morning and the other on a Saturday morning. After all three, the committee will compile the data collected for a final session to prioritize items, create a vision statement and form subcommittees for the topics selected.

The committee encourages all residents to “get involved with the process and become part of the solution,” Bradley said.

Members of the committee are Brenda Rogers, Gina Mason, Jeff Kelly, Ryan Leighton, Toni Kline, Sue Conroy, Mark Stevens, Laile Roukounakis, Phyllis Moore, Diane Nadeau and Layne Curtis.

For more information, contact Bradley at 353-3000, extension 122.