Many municipal elected officials and staff are doing their best to engage residents in local planning and decision-making. The problem is that often only a limited number of residents typically respond, so elected officials and senior staff throw up their hands. They’re pretty sure it’s not their fault, but they remain at a loss as to why people aren’t jumping to provide feedback when given the opportunity.

A recent post by a city resident perhaps explains it best: “Why bother? They’ve already decided what they’re going to do.” While that sentiment is sometimes justified, the… More Posted on 05-14-25