Civic participation initiatives are increasingly adopting a "more-than-human" perspective to incorporate nature's voice in policymaking. This involves innovative approaches like citizens' assemblies where participants represent non-human species, public engagement projects to gather opinions on the future needs of animals, and granting legal personhood to natural entities. Additionally, artificial intelligence is being explored to embody non-human perspectives. These efforts aim to shift conventional power dynamics in decision-making and enhance ecological stewardship, ultimately building more resilient democracies that can safeguard all life on the planet.
Summer, with its promise of warm weather and vacations, naturally draws people outdoors to explore and enjoy their surroundings more than any other season, making residents experience their community spaces in new and different ways compared to the colder, darker months. That's why summer's an ideal moment to tap into the collective intelligence of your community and learn about ideas for improvement if you ask us!
A significant part of any local governments’ list of responsibilities is creating comprehensive plans. These might be strategic plans defining local priorities. Climate plans, outlining long-term strategies. Mobility plans, determining the local traffic and public transport situation. Or maybe city plans, containing decisions to reshape our public spaces in the short and longer term.
Our cities. They are the nexuses of our world. As buzzing and vibrant melting pots of culture, history, art, commerce, and progress, they represent some of humanity’s finest and brightest triumphs. Wherever people from all walks of life come together, the air is thick with raw potential.