Mike McGrath: New Laboratories of Democracy
Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously described state legislatures as "laboratories of democracy."
In the report "New Laboratories of Democracy," published by Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE), Mike McGrath explores civic innovation at the local level.
The past 15 years have been a time of remarkable innovation and experimentation in local government. Neighborhood councils, community development/strategic planning and new forums for dialogue and deliberation have dramatically changed the relationship between governors and the governed. ...
First and foremost is the need to design and manage public conversations in ways that bring all voices to the table. Another challenge is the ongoing struggle to adequately fund city services and public infrastructure in a political and economic environment of austerity. With the power to discuss and decide, resources must follow or implementation will not occur.
