Reflection Paper

1. The Seattle.gov and Barnett articles indicate two initiatives from the city to expand access to decision-making and resources in Seattle. What do you think of Mayor Durkan’s EDI investment effort? Is this “good” community development? Does it respond to some of the key concerns we have been discussing? What about the decision (4 years ago) to dismantle the old “District Council” model of community participation? Will this new setup be better, or more equitable?
2. Consider the critiques in the end of the Barnett article, and the ones from the WBEZ article about the Chicago PD. Is the new approach to Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods (city-run instead of district-based neighborhood groups) more inclusive, or is it just lip-service? How do we reconcile the value and use of community commissions and enhanced community voice when we so often and so easily reject their recommendations? Is community engagement just a “box to be checked”? How can we tell if it’s empowerment, or just “lip service”? Is it obvious?

Remember, your responses should incorporate all readings assigned for May 11th:

• de Souza Briggs - Doing Democracy Up-Close
• Seattle.gov - Mayor Durkan Announces $5.65 Million
• Barnett – How Seattle is Dismantling a NIMBY Power Structure
• WBEZ/NPR- Chicago Police Reject Recommendations On Use Of Force