Civic Participation and Democracy
Civic Participation and Democracy
- (w/ C. Lorrey) Req. City Council amend Council Rule 26 to allow citizens and employees of the city to be heard on a matter for questions or general comments without registering pro or con on that matter.
- (w/ C. Broderick) Req. City Mgr. explore potential expansion of Lowell Stat Program to analyze public safety, quality of life and economic indicators in the downtown and neighborhood business districts.
- (w/ C. Broderick) Req. Mgr. report on renovation of city website to encourage greater use of online services, new forms of public engagement and increased potential for marketing and business development.
- (w/ C. Mendonca) Req. Council amend meetings schedule to provide quarterly special meetings for Auditor, Clerk, and Manager.
- Req. Mgr. identify alternative meeting time for License Commission to allow for more community input.
- Req. Mgr. report on potential of community benefit agreements for future large-scale urban renewal or development projects.
- Req. Mgr. provide update on Tanner Street Initiative and plan for public participation.
- Req. Mgr. explore possible collaboration with Habitat for Humanity on a “Rock the Block” neighborhood revitalization project in coordination with Manager’s Impact Initiative.
- Req. Mgr. report on possible challenge to census figures with assistance from the Population Estimates Program at UMass.
- Req. Mgr. develop budget hearing process to align with the goals of a GFOA performance-based budget, greater transparency and public participation.
- Req. Council discuss larger Charter Changes to increase civic participation(including combined districts/at-large system and term limits) at the next Rules subcommittee.
- Req. Council consider Home Rule Petition to lower voting age to 17 for municipal elections.
- Req. City Council resolve the issue of requirements for a municipal primary election, and consider random ballot order in the general.
- Req. Mgr. report on short- and long-term plans for supervision of the Lowell Youth Council.
- Req. Mgr. report on plans and progress toward a city-wide Sustainability Plan and MA Green Community status.
