ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?
Time: 12:30-1:30pm
Place: Room 2270, Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings St.
Cost: Free
A conversation on public participation in city decisions. Think you know what public consultation is? Almost everyone’s definition is different. Why do so many people believe that governmental consultation is “pretend conversation,” not worth their time, and that officials will do
whatever they planned to do before they asked? How do officials act differently after hearing from the public? How can citizens participate effectively in city decisions?
You’ll want to listen to Colleen Hardwick, founder of PlaceSpeak— a web service that lets citizens comment on city issues while keeping internet input honest – and Lyndsay Poaps, former Vancouver Parks Commissioner, and a member of the Mayor’s Engaged City Task Force. Then it’s your turn. You’re welcome to bring your lunch.
I’d be really interested if you wind up with any notes at the end of this,
We believe government consultation is a waste of time because of how frequently the final decision matches the “staff recommendation” or “proposal” shown prior to the consultation. True or not, adapting policy based on public feedback appears to be the exception.
Is there any interest in doing this event in North Vancouver? IF SO, please contact me at antonio.m.valente@gmail.com.