Democracy is an ideology that drives a form of government whose power is vested in the people. Its strength rests on valuing basic human rights and equal opportunity, respecting the rule of law, electing representatives who can be held accountable, and supporting a well-informed citizenry committed to civic engagement. But as US cities have grown and developed, the public’s participation in community planning has waned. What are the barriers, especially at the local level, and why? What can we do to include more voices? As we begin a new year, come join panelists with multiple views of planning in an open community discussion to explore ways to strengthen further our democracy and make better, more inclusive decisions about our future. Saturday, February 6, from 10 a.m. to noon. Guest Panel Moderator: Brian Biery, Adjunct Professor at Pacific Oaks College and member, Pasadena Neighborhood Network leadership team. Panelists include Felicia Williams, D2 Pasadena City Councilmember; Nina R. Chomsky, Esq., Community Activist and President, Linda Vista-Annandale Association; Rick Cole, Former City Manager, Cities of Azusa, Ventura, and Santa Monica; Michael Dieden, Founder and President, Creative Housing Associates, LLC. No registration needed; here is the Zoom link. Passcode 032760. For further information, contact SCPC at socalplanningcongress@gmail.com.
Southern California Planning Congress is Sat., Feb. 6
