Get Involved in Local Government
by Hailey Biesiada

After your traditional means of creating change in your neighborhood (complaining to friends and neighbors) hits a brick wall, take comfort in your local government. Mayors do much more than wave at cheering crowds in the 4th of July parade. After all, it’s important to know how your local government works; it has influence over your city’s housing, laws and, unfortunately, taxes. Don’t worry though, taking an active stand against a local problem in your community isn’t as difficult and time consuming as you’d think. Here are a few easy steps to get involved in your city government.

1) Know your local government. Each city has its own Website, so take a stroll through the many pages until you get an understanding of your city’s history and how it’s governed. Each city is different, simply because different people live in it, so don’t take for granted the ins and outs of the previous city you lived in. Along with statistics and annual events, most cities’ Websites have information about the local governing body, including the mayor’s annual income. It may seem like useless information, but you’d be surprised how useful local representative information can be.

2) Understand the issue. Before orchestrating a massive raid on city hall because your neighbor’s unsightly shrubbery hangs over your property line, understand the issue or community concern from all angles. Talk to people who share your concern or can offer suggestions to ultimately rally support for an improvement. But also talk to people against your viewpoint. If you understand where they are coming from, it will be much easier for you to strategize your counter-argument in front of city council. Think of it as a debate, and no one wants to lose a debate with one's opponent. So remember, come to a town meeting with factual information and suggestions on your community’s problem and, almost as important, support

3) Growing support. One lone soul won’t have much sway against city council, so before stepping up to the mic during a public meeting, rally the troops for support (a troop is more than 10 residents. You and your spouse do not count as an influential troop). Develop flyers to put on doorsteps and prepare petitions from people in your neighborhood. Keep in mind that this may be the first time your neighbors have heard of this appalling issue to wreak havoc on your pleasant, suburbanite community, so be passionate and influential to arouse public sentiment in support of your goals. But remember to stay factual and professional, as character bashing and inflammatory rhetoric will make you seem intimidating and tacky. The more people you have on your side the better. Round-up as many people as you can for sentimental testimony at public meetings also. A compelling story will sway votes. Also, contact local media outlets to get your story out to neighboring communities. A sympathetic and articulate story will impress reporters and give you airtime or paper space to voice your concerns. Take into account the short attention spans of compassionate ears and pocket books as well. After exciting public interest, keep people informed with the progress. The more information your community knows, the more likely people will want to facilitate a conclusion.

4) LTA: Learn the acronyms. Before stepping in front of city council, understand the steps to how the decision for your concern will be made. E-mail or contact the representatives concerned with your particular issue and ask them on record how they will resolve the issue. Also, understand the terminology and acronyms the city council and other experts on the issue will be using; EIRs are the Environmental Impact Reports, for example. If you can’t follow the argument, it’s very difficult to take part in it. 

Though standing in front of a group of residents, officials and city representatives can be intimidating, it can also result in a better community. Just remember to come organized, prepared and full of support, and you may be surprised at the impact you can make.