Healthy Democracy

Remember to join us on Wednesday, December 3rd for Bright Spots in American Democracy, a partnership with the Participatory Budgeting Project where we share the innovative practices reinvigorating democracy by engaging everyday folks in public decision-making.

🗓️ December 3rd
⏱️ 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern
➡️RSVP: https://shorturl.at/A5wag

Join us! 🌟

In a time of widespread distrust in government and concentration of power in the hands of the few, we’re happy to share some good news - government by the people is growing!

We’re expanding innovative practices that shift power into the hands of everyday people and throw open the doors of democracy: Civic Assemblies and Participatory Budgeting.

Whether you’re familiar with our work or this is brand new to you, join us and our friends at The Participatory Budgeting Project to learn about these bright spots in our democracy!

🗓️ December 3rd
⏱️10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern
➡️ RSVP: https://shorturl.at/A5wag

Join us! 🌟

In a time of widespread distrust in government and concentration of power in the hands of the few, we’re happy to share some good news - government by the people is growing!

We’re expanding innovative practices that shift power into the hands of everyday people and throw open the doors of democracy: Civic Assemblies and Participatory Budgeting.

Whether you’re familiar with our work or this is brand new to you, join us and our friends at The Participatory Budgeting Project to learn about these bright spots in our democracy!

🗓️ December 3rd
⏱️10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern
➡️ RSVP: https://shorturl.at/A5wag

The Fort Collins City Council passed a resolution supporting the recommendations put forth by Civic Assembly Delegates to make the Hughes Site a multi-use area including trails, community gathering spaces, bike park features, and more.

At the same time, a citizen-led imitative will be on the ballot in November asking residents to make the entire Hughes Site a Natural Area. If the ballot initiative passes, it will override the Council's resolution.

"Several council members have expressed support for sending the civic assembly recommendations to the ballot so voters can have two options to choose between: a 100% natural area or a multi-use site.

To be clear, these two ballot questions would be in conflict with each other, and if both make it to the ballot, voters would be able to choose which path they want the city to take by voting "yes" on one and "no" on the other one."

Read the full story here: https://healthydemocracy.org/press/2025/08/26/fort-collins-city-council-takes-another-step-on-hughes-land-but-voters-will-set-the-course/

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The Hughes Civic Assembly wrapped up on May 4th with a total of 22 recommendations that received support from 75% or more of the Assembly Delegates.

Read the final report here:https://healthydemocracy.org/wp-content/uploads/250509-Hughes-Civic-Assembly-Final-Report-v2.pdf

The first weekend of the Hughes Civic Assembly was a success, in large part due to the passionate, experienced, and innovative partners that have joined us on the journey. As we gear up for weekend two, reflect back on the first two days with Rahmin Sarabi, Director of American Public Trust.

"What struck me most was how they transformed—not just in name, but in presence. They moved with intention and care. Their conversations were grounded in curiosity, mutual respect, and a growing sense of shared responsibility. "

https://healthydemocracy.org/blog/2025/04/29/a-model-for-democracy-in-polarized-times-comes-to-life-in-fort-collins/

We're nearing the next phase of the Hughes Civic Assembly!

Tune in on Tuesday, March 18th at 5pm MT/4pm PT to witness the Selection Event, where 20 Delegates will be chosen by lottery for the Hughes Civic Assembly.

Individuals in the area are also welcome to attend in person at Fort Collins City Hall (300 Laporte Avenue).

Tune into FCTV on Tuesday to view: https://reflect-vod-fcgov.cablecast.tv/CablecastPublicSite/watch-now?site=1

City of Fort Collins - Government CSU Center for Public Deliberation

Postcards were sent to 15,000 randomly-selected households in Fort Collins, Colorado inviting residents to enter a lottery. From that lottery, twenty will be chosen to serve as Delegates for the .

Stay tuned for the public Lottery Selection on Tuesday, March 18!

healthydemocracy.org/hughescivicassembly

Our faith in democracy is at an all-time low. Can citizen assemblies help? | The Excerpt Citizen assemblies involve ordinary people participating in crafting policy solutions to community problems and have been around for over fifty years. Is thi...

We are excited to announce our newest project, the Hughes Civic Assembly! The Hughes Stadium site has a long history in Fort Collins, Colorado, and this Spring, 20 Fort Collins residents, selected by lottery, will help determine its future.

This is a unique, collaborative effort between Healthy Democracy, the City of Fort Collins - Government, CSU Center for Public Deliberation, The American Public Trust, and Local Policy Lab.

Learn more: https://healthydemocracy.org/home/projects/hugescivicassembly/

Linn Davis has been with Healthy Democracy for nine years, since the days of the Citizens Initiative Review. He recently took his expertise to the national level as a guest on USA Today's podcast, The Excerpt, to talk about the promise and potential of Civic Assemblies.

It's an excellent overview of Civic Assemblies and the Deschutes Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness - and gives a little peek into our next project.

Give it a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KU8W8c9btfs