Since 1996, Vancouver, British Columbia (pop.540,000), has been working to meet the public’s desire for accountability at the same time that the populace is becoming more disengaged, diverse, and unfamiliar with the civic process. The city is addressing both the short- and long-term civic future through outreach efforts, departmental improvements, a public process guide, staff/public training, a newcomers guide to the city (in four languages), a searchable database of community and governmental references, and a civics manual for high school students.