Citizen Panel Moderator's Overview Session Six, April 25, 2009
The final Saturday session of the Edmonton Citizen Panel was a very full and productive day, with panel members continuing to work hard on their final recommendations.
- The day began with a review of the evolving written report to Council, with the intention to flesh out the thinking and add more detail and depth to the directions and recommendations. This draft report had been circulated to panel members a few days prior to the Saturday session.
- Seeing the conversations of the previous five sessions captured in a written document fostered lively and direct discussions among the panel; the written word provided something tangible to comment on. "This report created a springboard for our discussion".
- While panel members felt the draft report was an accurate representation of panel conversations so far, there was an acknowledgement that perhaps panel thinking still needed some time to percolate and evolve.
- Reacting to the written report before them, panel members spent time probing and clarifying to ensure the words and thoughts were contextually accurate and tonally right. In particular, words like "holistic", "cultural shift", "long-term", "density" and "livability" were reviewed and some re-working was suggested for the final report.
- In response to a proposed report title, panel members suggested it be more aligned with the panel's initial purpose (directional budget recommendations), and not sound like a visioning statement.
- In reviewing the draft report panel members commented that there were some ideas that may not have had the time to be explored as fully as many would have liked (e.g. the importance of choice, the use of personal cars, transit alternatives other than LRT, affordability).
- Panel members reflected on some of the challenges and tensions related to preparing this final report:
- aligning ideological and abstract thoughts ... with practical and concrete words
- providing recommendations for consideration in the 2010-11 budget ... while recommending long-term planning for the future of our city
- Recognizing that 'livability' was such a big idea, panel members suggested that perhaps it was a value or an overarching goal statement (desired end state), and not a specific recommendation.
- In reflecting on the word 'holistic', panel members placed emphasis on the interconnectedness between things and offered specific suggestions as examples (having green space integrated with density; ensuring urban and environmental design give early consideration to safety; emphasizing proactivity and prevention in addition to efficiency of responsiveness).
- The idea of a 'cultural shift' was discussed more fully. Panel members recognized a change in thinking, acting and lifestyle would likely be required to move the city forward, but there was considerable conversation about the interpretation of the words, the role of Council vs. citizens, and the notion of personal freedom. It was suggested perhaps an alternate phrase might be more appropriate for inclusion in the final report.
- There was some question about whether the draft report provided sufficient direction for Council to consider in their 2010-11 budget deliberations.
- As part of a brainstorming activity to make abstract ideas more concrete, panelists were asked to describe "what it might look like" or "how it might work". These panel conversations, specifically focused in the areas of density, urban planning, transportation, sustainability and safety, were inclusive and energetic.
- Panel members expressed appreciation for the efforts of the writers in trying to capture the fullness of conversations, though indicated they would have valued an additional week to review and refine their thinking, as well as the draft report.
- Panel members enthusiastically shared their feelings about participating in this pilot project. They talked about:
- how much more engaged they feel as citizens of a great city;
- how their understanding and appreciation has grown for the tough role of Council and administration;
- how pleased they were to get to meet and hear from such a diverse group of passionate and respectful citizens;
- how much they have learned from the city, and from one another; and
- how privileged they felt to be able to participate on the panel.
The day ended with a reflection and celebration of the commitment, contributions and accomplishments of the Edmonton Citizen Panel.
From this moderator's perspective, Edmonton has much to be proud of in the fine example set by this diverse group of citizens.
