imagineCalgary, Lost in the BureaucraZy

imagineCalgary, an exquisite democratic tool built by citizens. The bible for Gov 2.0 aficionados. The Holy Grail of citizen engagement. A blueprint for deep systemic change.

imagineCalgary... RIP. No longer a blueprint for deep systemic change, but rather buried deep in the system, covered in layer upon layer of bureaucraZy, a sparkling document of hope languishing in plain-vanilla.

Regrettably, we are missing imagineCalgary targets as consistently as the Flames are missing the playoffs.

Here are just two examples:

1. BY 2008: OMBUDSMAN, City Charter of Rights & Freedoms, ET AL




2. By 2010, 100 per cent of Calgarians have access to nutritious FOODS



The Mother of all citizen engagement processes is in dire straits, mired in bureaucracy.

SOS, #YYCCC, SOS...

Food & Art Citizen Budget Engagement Conversation Potlucks

“I want to go from 15 problem solvers around the Council table, to 15,000 staff who are problem solvers, to over a million citizens who can solve the problem – together.” ~Mayor Nenshi

What are your thoughts on the budget process?

Food & Art Citizen Budget Engagement Conversation Potlucks

Food Budget Engagement Potluck 29March11 @6.30pm @1028 Memorial Dr NW

Art Budget Engagement Potluck 05April11 @6.30pm @1028 Memorial Dr NW

Sunnyside LRT station is 2 blocks North.

All welcome. Contact me @403.383.3420 or paul@paulinate.com to confirm attendance.

Background:

Conversation Budget Kit Hosting Workshops (March 16-22)Eager to lead your own conversation...starting March 16 a series of workshops will be held to train citizens, staff and community organizations to host your own conversation using the Budget Kit and discussion guides, and submit your input directly to us.

Check the schedule for a convenient time.

Each year elected representatives make some hard decisions about where our tax dollars are spent. City services affect our lives every day, and the services The City delivers are the path to developing the city you envision. Budgets are a reflection of your values, priorities and needs, and a tool to deliver services that are important to citizens, Council and staff. We want you to tell us: What do you value? What is a priority to you? There’s only so much money available – how is it best spent? What trade-offs are you prepared to make to create the future we all want? Take this opportunity to get involved and have your say!

Don’t wait. Participate!

Our City. Our Budget. Our Future.

http://ourcity-ourbudget-ourfuture.blogspot.com/