Yes, it is all our goal to have better public  meetings. . .ones that are more efficient AND more effective in delivering and obtaining information from our residents and other community stakeholders. 

Unfortunately, our processes, laws and regulations dealing with public meetings and securing public input don't always help us in reaching this goal.   The classic "three minutes at the microphone" is a perfect example of a process that, to us in local government, helps to regulate these meetings and allow everyone to have an opportunity to speak.  Yet, at the same time, infuriates most every citizen that takes the time to attend a public hearing, council meeting or other forum.

Join ICMA and its Center for Management Strategies on February 20th at 1 p.m. EST for an informative webinar on this topic entitled "Better Public Meetings. . .Beyond the Three Minutes at the Microphone."   Featuring Matt Leighninger of the Deliberative Democracy Consortium, this webinar will explore new tools as well as a model ordinance to foster productive citizen engagement at public meetings.

Make your public engagement efforts more than three minutes at the microphone!!!