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codeforamerica / brigade-staff

The Code for America Brigade Team
https://waffle.io/codeforamerica/brigade-staff
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Increase Diversity at Process Subcommitte Meetings #77

Closed boonrs closed 8 years ago

boonrs commented 9 years ago

The Process Subcommitte's purpose is to monitor Community Engagement on the Housing Boulder project. It is made up of 3 city council members and 2 planning board members. When there are more than 2 city council members attending a meeting, the meeting must be public.

As a result, the "usual suspects" show up and have an out-sized voice to effect the process.

The people who show up represent the 60+, home-owner, slow-growth demographic. Through their emails and speaking up at the meeting they are able to shape the process in a way that suits their needs, pre-hacking the process.

I've gone to several events and sent out emails to try and get other voices in the room. So far these tactics have failed.

boonrs commented 9 years ago

At the meeting on 4/1 we had 4 new people show up and their presence helped create a more balanced conversation. If additional voices continue to attend for the next two meetings, I'll close this.

boonrs commented 9 years ago

At the meeting on 4/8 we had 3 new people show up. 2 were students in the CU Student Government. They invited everyone to their next meeting to learn about student housing challenges.

At the CU Student Government meeting, City Councilman Andrew Shoemaker showed up along with Planning Board's Leonard May. Two other members of the public showed and a good discussion was had. The minutes from the meeting can be perused here.

boonrs commented 9 years ago

4/15 meeting lacked diversity of perspectives. Will try out periscope at the next meeting as a way of live streaming the meeting.