From Elite-driven to People-driven Democracy
What happens when elected officials give real power to ordinary citizens?
→ Read the full editorial in the Colorado Sun
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.