Create entry points for participation

[fgregg]

Zoning

• [ ] If a ward has a Zoning Advisory Committee Link to that, (and maybe include information from that process) Ex. http://chicago47.org/zoningdevelopment-cases/

On Agenda Ordinances

• [ ] Provide directions for how to sign up and how to testify effectively

Meetings

• [ ] Provide directions for how to sign up and how to testify effectively

Controversial legislation

• [ ] Link to the organizations that support/oppose a particular ordinance with, maybe a call to action

Create a "participate" tab

• [ ] Lists ways that individuals can participate in the process. (Give testimony, contact your alderman, contact the chairs of relevant committees, work with existing groups)
• [ ] Gives guidance on effective testimony
• [ ] Lists upcoming, non routine legislation that could be testified upon
• [ ] Lists organizations that have worked to get bills through and how you can work with them

[stevevance]

I'm also trying to make ward and neighborhood-level decision making more transparent. I have maps of 33 neighborhood organizations, that I gathered from ward websites, user submissions, and other datasets I found and verified.

I've also testified at a couple of hearings (mostly the Plan Commission). Some tips I have:

• You have two minutes to speak, use it wisely. Spend less time introducing yourself and why you might be related to a proposal and more time saying why the proposal is good or bad commensurate with the authority that that specific board/commission has over the project. If you're talking to the Plan Commission, don't talk about TIF funds. TIF belongs to the Community Development Commission.
• Some of the people on the board/commission you're speaking to may not be listening, and those who are may not actually look at you while you speak
• Try to coordinate with others so you don't speak about the same thing
• Choose 1 or 2 issues within the topic you're speaking out about and hone in on exactly why the board should or shouldn't approve it. Understand how the board bases its decisions, and how it should being basing its decisions. (For example, if a project is being heard because its in the Lakefront Protection District, read up on what that ordinance requires of projects in the District, and arrange your speech to be about those requirements.)

[cathydeng]

interesting & v useful - thx @stevevance!