‘This something that could work’: can civic assemblies put the people back into politics?
Civic assemblies are gaining traction in the US as a way to engage residents in local governance. Randomly selected participants are helping to address complex policy issues and provide recommendations to elected officials. These assemblies aim to foster direct participation and collaboration among community members.
- ▪Civic assemblies in the US are becoming more common as a means to resolve divisive policy debates.
- ▪Participants in these assemblies report feeling more engaged and valued in the decision-making process.
- ▪The first official US civic assembly was held in 2022, and interest from elected officials is growing.
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Civic assembly participants in Akron, Ohio, sign a covenant before the process begins in March 2026. Photograph: Photo courtesy Unify AkronView image in fullscreenCivic assembly participants in Akron, Ohio, sign a covenant before the process begins in March 2026. Photograph: Photo courtesy Unify AkronBuilding powerUS news‘This something that could work’: can civic assemblies put the people back into politics?US cities are turning to randomly selected residents to help resolve divisive policy debatesBuilding power is supported byAbout this contentCarey L BironThu 21 May 2026 09.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA Los Angeles software engineer, Hunter Futo, recalled being “disaffected and apolitical” for years but experienced an about-face recently: now, she’s leading resident…
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