Civic Assemblies in Action: Lessons on Civic Engagement from Fort Collins

Join the Political Reform program, in partnership with the American Public Trust and Local Policy Lab, on April 15th at 2 PM ET for an interactive discussion on the upcoming Fort Collins Civic Assembly. This event will feature partners from the CSU Center for Public Deliberation, City of Fort Collins, and Healthy Democracy.

In this virtual session, we will provide a brief overview of the Civic Assembly movement, explore the local context driving the Fort Collins Assembly, highlight innovations in its process, and discuss how this Assembly can contribute to broader democratic renewal in Colorado and beyond. 

Civic Assemblies and deliberative democracy provide a powerful foundation for renewing democracy, with a proven ability to reduce polarization and resolve complex public issues by amplifying the informed and representative voice of "we the people." These approaches foster common ground solutions, even on the most contentious issues, demonstrating that people are far less divided than traditional political forums and media narratives suggest.

Recognizing the potential of this approach, the Fort Collins City Council recently approved $150,000 toward a Civic Assembly focused on one of its most divisive and long-standing local issues: the future of 163 acres of city-owned land. 

Set to begin in mid-April, this Assembly represents a groundbreaking opportunity for community-driven decision-making.

Speakers:

Rahmin Sarabi, Founder & Director, America Public Trust

Rupa Venkatesh, Assistant City Manager, City of Fort Collins

Justin Reedy, Program Director, Healthy Democracy 

Katie Knobloch, Assistant Professor/Associate Director, Center for Public Deliberation

Moderator:

Hollie Russon Gilman, Senior Fellow, New America.