We must build a democracy worthy of people’s trust, faith —and dare I say, enthusiasm.

Not just democracy that technocratically works better or gets slightly better outcomes—but democracy that fundamentally shows people that their voices matter, that public decisions can be made with wisdom and care, and that we can actually solve hard problems together across the seemingly insurmountable divides.

This isn't a pipe dream. It's happening right now.

Image: Fort Collins Civic Assembly Delegates, selected through a lottery process to represent all walks of life in the community, at the conclusion of their final day of deliberations.

Democracy can be faster, smarter—and more responsive to the challenges we face—if it's set up to take the side of we the people. We have new tools in our democratic toolkits that are an antidote to the cynicism, polarization, and powerlessness that plague our politics today.

In Fort Collins, everyday citizens were given a real seat at the table, and it transformed one of their toughest, most polarized, long-standing issues—in just two weekends. But here's what's remarkable: it didn't just solve a policy problem. It restored people's faith in what democracy can be.

This didn't take power away from elected officials—it gave them something transformative: A clear public mandate, built through inclusive, respectful, and informed deliberation. All while creating more agency, power, and voice for the people. Instead of governing in a climate of mistrust and division, they now have the backing of a process that brought their community together.

Civic assemblies aren't a feel-good experiment. They're a proven path to the democracy we need: one that citizens can trust, participate in meaningfully, and have faith will actually serve them.

The question is: which cities, counties, and states are ready to lead this transformation?

→ Read the full editorial in the Colorado Sun

Grateful for the amazing partners who helped deliver this breakthrough: Healthy Democracy, Center for Public Deliberation, Local Policy Lab, Philip Lindsay, and Ansel Herz.

Yesterday was a big day for democracy in Fort Collins.

Four delegates from the Fort Collins Civic Assembly stood before the Mayor and City Council to present the Assembly’s recommendations—on one of the city’s most polarizing, long-standing issues: the future of 164 acres of city owned land that used to serve as the Hughes Stadium site.

Fellow delegates filled the audience in quiet support, bearing witness to the moment.

Some Councilmembers looked visibly surprised—especially those who had been skeptical of the process from the start.

Not Just Policy—But Civic Leadership

What they saw wasn’t just a list of proposals.

It may have been the most heartfelt, grounded, and constructive public dialogue they’ve experienced in those chambers.

They saw 20 residents—once strangers—diverse in age, background, and perspective—come together.

They spoke with clarity. They spoke with care. And they spoke with a shared sense of responsibility for Fort Collins.

What Councilmembers Said

“I believe what you’ve presented is capturing the zeitgeist of what many people in this city want.”
— Councilmember Melanie Potyondy

“If you walked into that [Assembly] room, you would say — that’s Fort Collins.”
— Mayor Pro Tem Emily Francis

“I was a skeptic, but I think it was a pretty good process.”
— Councilmember Kelly Ohlson

“I feel like we have 20 democracy ambassadors out there now.”
— Councilmember Tricia Canonico

What Delegates Shared:

“There was never an argument—just calm, healthy discussion, genuine curiosity, and learning.”
— Colin, Assembly Delegate

“We were truly honored and grateful… we learned so much about each other and the city itself.”
— Lucy, Assembly Delegate

“There were people I didn’t agree with… but we talked, asked questions, and got past the tribalism.”
— Peter, Assembly Delegate

This wasn’t a performance. It wasn’t politics as usual.
It was public judgment—formed together through dialogue, learning, and listening across difference.

The Council now has a powerful public mandate to act—and a living example of what democratic renewal can look like in practice. And 20 residents have a taste of what civic agency feels like.

📺 Watch the Council presentation here →
(I recommend jumping to 04:10 to hear from delegates directly.)

If you’re working on democratic reform, civic engagement, or simply care about how communities solve hard problems together—I think there’s something here worth watching.

Thanks to all the project partners, Healthy Democracy, the Center for Public Deliberation, Local Policy Lab, and the City of Fort Collins.

—
Rahmin

Photo Credits: City of Fort Collins

In a bold effort to reimagine local democracy, the City of Fort Collins convened its first-ever Civic Assembly last weekend. Twenty residents—selected by Civic Lottery to reflect the city's full diversity—came together to deliberate on one of Fort Collins’ most divisive questions: the future of 164 acres of public land.

Even after just one weekend (with a second to come in May), the depth of engagement and emerging sense of shared purpose amongst Delegates is inspiring. While the question at hand—what to do with 164 acres of land—might seem modest from a national vantage point, it’s been a deeply contested issue locally, carrying years of unresolved tension and community debate.

If we can imagine a future where citizens and residents lead deliberation not just in one city, but in counties, states, and across the nation—we might just rediscover what democracy can be.

Read on for reflections, resources, and press coverage. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

The project is a collaboration between the City of Fort Collins, Healthy Democracy, the Center for Public Deliberation, American Public Trust, and Local Policy Lab.

What It Felt Like Inside the Room

By day two, the civic energy was undeniable. You could feel it—the spark of purpose, connection, and possibility.

Twenty residents had stepped into a new role. No longer just neighbors or community members—they had become Delegates, charged with deliberating on one of the city’s most polarized and longstanding challenges.

What struck me most was how quickly they transformed—not just in title, but in presence. They moved with intention and care. Their conversations were grounded in curiosity, mutual respect, and a growing sense of shared responsibility. They weren’t speaking only for themselves, but on behalf of their neighbors, their city, and the broader public.

And all of this began to take shape in just 10 hours together—listening deeply, engaging with presenters from across the spectrum, and beginning to explore possible directions.

I’ve been part of many assemblies, but each time the moment arrives—the “drop in,” when participants truly step into their role—it still catches me. It’s contagious. And it gives me profound hope.

Because it reminds me of something we’re rarely told: we are not hopelessly divided. We are not doomed to culture wars and zero-sum politics. When people are given time, structure, and real support to engage meaningfully, they show up. They listen deeply. They become lay experts. They build from common ground—not through watered-down compromise, but through creative processes that draw on our differences as a resource.

This isn’t a theory—it’s been proven. And it has happened again and again in cities, counties, states, and nations across the globe, in Citizens’ Assemblies commissioned by forward-thinking government leaders who trusted the public.

In that room on 222 Laporte Ave in Fort Collins, it became clear: when the problem is in front of us—not between us—we talk honestly. We disagree constructively. And we rediscover something too often missing in public life: trust.

This work speaks directly to why American Public Trust exists and we’re proud to be part of the team supporting this first Civic Assembly in Fort Collins. It reaffirms our commitment to helping leaders in cities, counties, and states bring the promise of deliberative democracy to life—especially where stakes are high and polarization runs deep.

We’re looking forward with enthusiasm to the Assembly’s second weekend. If you’re curious, we invite you to follow along via livestream—or even join us in person. There’s nothing quite like being in the room.

Reflections from Delegates:

“I'm honored to be a part of a group that is truly dedicated to making a change — this is the first time in my life that I've been given this opportunity and I'm soaking it up.”

"Part of the reason I'm so grateful for this experience is because this is the purest form of democracy. And, you know, it's good to be reminded that it's still alive — and maybe we're not in as much trouble as we're being told we are."

“I don't know the political affiliations or beliefs of any person in this room because it didn't come up. It's not important.”

"The inner workings of the group have been purely democratic, and I have a lot of admiration for the collective respect for that process that I've seen in the room."

"I'm so grateful because we truly are all different — different walks of life, ages, preferences, genders — some even declining to identify as a gender, and things like that. We're all different, which means we're represented. And the one thing — well, the two things — that we have in common in that room are that we're motivated to make a change, and, as far as I can tell, we're all good people.

Join us to Witness the Closing Weekend in Fort Collins

Are you a community leader, elected official, or civil servant curious to learn more? A limited number of visitor spaces are still available to observe the conclusion of Civic Assembly in action on May 3rd and 4th.

Get in touch if you’d like to learn more.

In the News

• 🎥 Denver 7 – Panel of Fort Collins residents to decide future of former Hughes Stadium site

• 📰 Hoodline Denver – Fort Collins Launches Civic Assembly to Determine Future of Hughes Stadium Site

• 📰 The Coloradan – Future of old Hughes Stadium could be on Fort Collins ballots again, despite civic assembly

Learn More

Briefing Call on the Assembly with New America

Quick Facts on the Fort Collins Civic Assembly

The Issue: In 2023, the City of Fort Collins acquired the 164 acre Hughes Stadium site after voters approved a ballot measure rezoning it as “Public Open Lands” for parks, recreation, and conservation. The future of this land remains a contentious public issue. In 2024, the City Council voted 3-2 to commission a Civic Assembly to help determine the site’s future. The Assembly will present its recommendations to the City Council, Mayor, and City Staff who have committed to respond publicly and to integrate the results into their decision making on the future of the site.

Key Features

• 20 Assembly Members selected by democratic lottery (sortition), to form a cross-section of the community based on age, educational attainment, location of residents, and other factors – representing all walks of life.

• 4 days of in-depth learning and deliberation in April and May 2025, where Delegates hear from all sides of the issue

• Integrated community engagement. The Assembly directly builds on previous public input and stakeholder engagement

• Policy impact. Fort Collins City Council has committed to publicly receive, review, and respond to the Assembly’s recommendations.

• Accessibility, including stipends and expense reimbursements, to make sure all Delegates can meaningfully participate.

• Vision for the City, County, Region and Beyond to apply Assemblies to additional pressing issues and explore their potential to continue solving tough public problems.

A Blueprint for Renewing Democracy in Communities Across the U.S. The Fort Collins Assembly is part of a growing movement proving that deliberative democracy can rebuild trust in an era of deep political polarization. By empowering everyday people to engage in collaborative problem-solving, these Assemblies demonstrate a better way to "do" politics and democracy. A growing coalition of organizations envisions Northern Colorado and the state as leaders in this approach—integrating assemblies as regular, institutionalized mechanisms for tackling tough issues and fostering democratic renewal.

City of Fort Collins Assembly ‘101’ Explainer