The Power to Convene

Bringing people together to solve community-based issues is the backbone of proactive governance.

Our communities in Miami County are facing challenges.  From rental housing to busy streets being shut down to community beautification, it seems that every community in the county is dealing with a substantial issue.  Some communities are being proactive in addressing these issues; the City of Piqua is holding listening sessions about their recently introduced Rental Licensing Ordinance.  Tipp City is planning for what can come about with the Tipp City Plaza shopping center.  Other communities unfortunately, aren’t being proactive about community-wide issues.  One aspect that separates well functioning communities from those that are not is the ability of our local governments to be proactive instead of reactive; to bring people together to hammer out solutions, rather than to sit on their hands and do nothing.

Local government is where the magic happens when it comes to solving problems to make our communities better. But here's the thing: for a long time, many local governments have mostly reacted to issues as they come up. They wait for problems to happen and then try to fix them. 

Being proactive means planning ahead and trying to prevent problems before they become too big to handle. Imagine if your local government could foresee challenges and take action to tackle them early on. That's what being proactive is all about, and it's a game-changer.

So, how can local governments be more proactive? Let's break it down in a way that's helpful for those in charge to understand and implement:

Anticipating Challenges: Proactive local governments don't wait for problems to smack them in the face. They study what's happening in their community, listen to what people are saying, and watch for changes. For example, if a town is growing quickly, a proactive local government might plan to promote the building of the right kind of housing and the necessary infrastructure to avoid a housing crisis later on.

Engaging the Community: Of all the points brought forward, this might be one of the most impactful! Proactive local governments talk to the people who live in their community. They ask for opinions, ideas, and feedback. This helps them make decisions that match what the community really needs and wants. When you feel like your voice matters, you're more likely to get involved and support local projects.

Fostering Innovation: Being proactive means being open to new ideas and technologies. Local governments that embrace new ways of doing things can solve problems better. For example, a city that explores clean energy options can help the environment and save money in the long run.

Long-Term Vision: Instead of thinking only about the next election, proactive local governments plan for the long haul. They set goals that can take years or even decades to achieve. This long-term perspective means they can create solutions that last and make the community better over time.

Now, let's talk about an important part of proactive local government: convening stakeholders. Convening is bringing all the right people to the table to talk about and solve community problems. It's critical because it's what separates problem-solving leaders from regular ones.

The Power to Convene for Local Governments

Convening in local government is all about getting the right people together to work on common issues. When local governments do this well, they can create positive changes in their communities. Here's how:

• Bringing Stakeholders Together: Convening means gathering all the important individuals and organizations who care and can lend insights about a specific problem. It could be citizens, businesses, nonprofits, and others. It should be stated this is more than just inviting the same groups around the same table. Issues by their nature are wide and varied, the stakeholders that are brought on to lend their expertise should be just as varied. When everyone works together, solutions become more achievable.

• Building Relationships: Convening is not just about meetings; it's about forming strong relationships. When people trust and know each other, they're more likely to support each other's ideas and work together effectively.

• Empathy and Truth: Effective convening starts with understanding and being honest. It's essential to listen to those directly affected by the problems. For example, if it's about housing, involving residents of all ages and all incomes ranges together can help develop strategies that are helpful for the most number of people.

So, what are some strategies for convening in local government?

Effective Convening Strategies in Local Government

Local governments have a toolbox of strategies to gather input, make decisions, and build stronger communities:

• Community Meetings: Holding meetings where residents can voice concerns and ideas directly to government officials. It is valuable to have frank and open discussions with the people in charge.

• Advisory Boards: These are groups of citizens who help the government make decisions on specific topics like schools or the environment. They bring a community perspective to the table.

• Online Surveys: Letting people share their thoughts and opinions about local issues through surveys on the internet. It's like raising your hand without needing to leave your house!

• Partnerships: Teaming up with community organizations, businesses, and nonprofits to tackle tough problems together. When you work as a team, you can achieve bigger goals.

• Strategic Planning: Setting long-term goals and action plans to make sure everyone is on the same page. It's creating a roadmap for our community's future.

Remember, the power to engage stakeholders is one of the most powerful tools in the local government's toolkit. When local governments convene people effectively, they can turn everyday issues into positive change.

In conclusion, proactive local government is all about planning ahead, engaging with the community, fostering innovation, and having a long-term vision. But it's also about bringing people together, building relationships, and listening with empathy and honesty. When local governments use these strategies, they become champions of positive change in our communities!