ActiVote is partnering with the New York City Civic Engagement Commission, the National Civic League, and Perfect City to launch Better Public Meetings NYC, a new initiative focused on improving how New Yorkers participate in local decision-making through public meetings. The effort comes at a time of renewed civic energy and openness to change across New York City.
Community members are invited to help shape the future of local democracy by sharing their perspectives through this community survey. Responses, combined with community-based research and real-time evaluation of public meetings, will help build a deeper understanding of New York City’s civic landscape. Drawing on this research, Better Public Meetings NYC will pilot new approaches to make public meetings more inclusive, productive, and meaningful for both residents and public officials.
- Learn more about the initiative and additional ways to participate here: NCL-CEC-NYC-PerfectCity – ActiVote
- Read the press release: New York City Launches “Better Public Meetings NYC” to Reimagine Civic Participation in a Moment of Change
National Civic League and Kingston, NY Partnership
The City of Kingston and the National Civic League have partnered to support the design and facilitation of a city charter commission. This marks over 30 years since the last comprehensive revision and adoption in the city. The community will undergo a series of engagement efforts to get the public involved, starting with a community survey and an opportunity to be selected by civic lottery to serve on the commission, followed by public conversations and a referendum in late 2027. Kingston may be the first city in the United States to embed sortition/civic lottery requirements directly into the law, to create a municipal charter review commission, continuing NCL’s work to make commission/advisory appointments diverse and inclusive.
