Friday, May 14, 2010

How do you achieve active democracy in a city?

To me a city council is very similar to the board of a company. However, while the goal of a board to seek the best financial outcome for its shareholders, the aim of a city council is to provide all residents with an aesthetically pleasing environment that allows them to thrive socially and economically.

To achieve this council must:
  • Inform residents of the issues, the pros and cons of options for achieving them and its preferred option
  • Consult
  • Take the advice it receives during consultations into serious consideration
  • Be transparent in its decision making

A council has the responsibility to ratepayers and residents to:
  • Deliver services as efficiently and as cost effectively as possible
  • Manage assets well
  • Strike rates fairly

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