Please join New America’s Political Reform program and the Future of Land & Housing program on June 24th from 1 to 2pm ET for an online discussion with Unify Akron, the nonprofit working to make collaborative civic participation a permanent part of how Akron governs itself, not just a one-time event.

Over the last few years, a wave of civic assemblies has swept across the United States. These events create opportunities for randomly selected members of the public to become delegates, serving as a kind of jury to help tackle a public challenge. The delegates learn about the issue from experts, deliberate, and then produce a set of recommendations that shape officials’ decision-making. 

Last month, Akron, Ohio, put its own take on this model of democratic participation. Designed in partnership with well over 100 local volunteers, the Unify Akron Assembly of 65 randomly selected delegates deliberated alongside additional community participants (called the "Super Assembly").

In the end, the assembly reached a majority consensus on nine community proposals. Their final recommendations (including creating a housing docket to track cases and disputes, zoning dedicated to tiny homes, low-cost repair loans for homeowners, and dedicated funding for housing through bonds) are now in the hands of a resident-led Impact Team working to see them through in partnership with government.

In our online conversation, we will speak with Morgan Lasher and Matt Byrne about how they designed this new form of civic assembly and how they’re working toward strengthening Akron’s broader civic infrastructure. We’ll also hear from delegates and public observers, who will share their experiences serving on the assembly.