Malloum Abakardid
"Publish the information before asking for opinions. Residents can't participate meaningfully in decisions they can't see. One page a year, ward by ward, on stormwater and environmental spending is where I'd start."
Laine Johnson
"Yes. Meaningful public engagement should be collaborative, transparent, and connected to clear outcomes.
I will continue to advocate for City leadership to think more expansively about public engagement. Consultation should not simply mean asking residents or organizations for feedback after decisions have effectively been made. Where appropriate, community organizations should be involved early enough to help identify problems, develop solutions, and shape concrete deliverables.
That also means being clear about what terms such as “working group,” “consultation,” and “collaboration” actually mean. Participants should understand what they are being asked to contribute, how their input will be used, who is responsible for decisions, and what outcomes are expected.
The Wildlife Strategy provides a good example of the potential for this kind of collaboration. Community organizations have contributed to public education and information about urban wildlife, and I would like to see the City do more to amplify and support the valuable work already being done in our community.
My goal is a relationship between the City and community organizations that is transparent, respectful, and focused on turning public participation into concrete action."