Let's face it, people hate the current US Congress right now (well, I don't, but CNN is all over the hatred). But on a local scale, people are very satisfied with their governments (besides Maryville's lack of of action on fixing Sixteenth Street...). But some cities are revealing new plans to make their citizens even MORE happy with the local gov.
They're called Scenario Workshops - or literally participating in the government without being an elected official. Basically, when city or county governments pass ordinances, several ordinary citizens are allowed to come in and take a survey and share their thoughts on the ordinance. They will give several outcomes to the bill, and from there, city council members will decide which outcomes are the best outcomes.
This strategy is mainly being used in more liberal cities, and many of the ordinances involve the establishment of local parks and the planting of more trees. In fact, Maryville is beginning to send out surveys to local citizens and asking how they can better the downtown area, but this isn't quite what scenario workshops are, though.
I think this is an excellent idea. Not only does it get people more involved in their communities, but it makes them accountable for what is happening in their area. This way instead of moaning and groaning about what is happening with the government, they can take responsibility and play a part.
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