The depth of the exchange among participants was strengthened by their considerable age, income, racial, geographic and gender diversity and the unique perspectives that informed the discussions at each ten-to-twelve person round table. Many participants represented communities whose voices often go unheard.
Guided by a trained facilitator, participants at each table group were able to hear, learn from and reach consensus with viewpoints that were both innovative and unfamiliar. One participant expressed appreciation for “the opportunity to brainstorm with people from different walks of life.”
Also joining the discussions were many key decision-makers who will ultimately lay the foundation for the redevelopment process. Charles Gargano, Chairman & CEO of the Empire State Development Corporation, emphasized that “our diverse communities [must] remain united…so we may act and achieve great things for this city, this state of New York, and this nation, together.”
Facilitated by AmericaSpeaks, a nationally-recognized non-profit organization, “Listening to the City” participants engaged in intimate round table discussions while using innovative decision-support technologies to instantly share their ideas and recommendations with all those present. Each participant was exposed to a host of diverse perspectives, both by engaging in rich small-group conversations and by viewing the results from the other 60 tables in real-time.
Overall, those who participated in “Listening to the City” were quite satisfied with both the significant work that was accomplished on February 7 and the usage of this model for gaining public input. “It was very informative and beneficial,” said one participant. “I now have a good overview of what must be accomplished after the needs of all concerned are evaluated and, hopefully, balanced.”
Acknowledgements
A Project of the Civic Alliance to Rebuild Downtown New York
- Event Partners Include:
- Regional Plan Association
- America Speaks
- NYU Wagner
- New School University Milano Graduate School
Other Reports in this Series
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