Your local government offers a host of ways for the public to get involved in civic and community affairs. One way for the public to get involved is to attend and participate in an official public meeting, like your city council or board and commission meeting. These meetings are a cornerstone of local decision-making, offering the public an opportunity to participate through open public comments. 

The City of Rochester aims to build upon its existing programs and opportunities and is committed to providing new avenues for public engagement in official meetings. In partnership with the National Civic League, the City will review the opportunities it offers to the public to further enhance, broaden, and potentially create new avenues for diverse members of the public to participate in local governance. 

What’s Happening

Over the next year, Rochester residents will have opportunities to reflect on and shape the future of public meetings. Key activities include:

Civic Engagement Scorecard

Tell us how we're doing. This simple digital tool lets you share feedback about your experience at City Council meetings. Scorecards are anonymous and will help shape future improvements. 

Civic Infrastructure Scan

We’re conducting interviews with community members, leaders, and organizers to understand what’s working—and what’s not—when it comes to participation in public meetings. This information will help identify opportunities to build more inclusive processes.

Pilot New Tools & Strategies

Based on community feedback, the National Civic League will recommend specific improvements to test out—from new meeting formats to digital engagement tools. Residents will help guide and evaluate these changes throughout 2026.

• Attend a public meeting and complete the Civic Engagement Scorecard.
• Complete a Community Survey and share information regarding civic engagement in Rochester. 
• Join a community forum to share your ideas and reflect on research findings.

Building a Local Democracy that Works for Everyone 
Thursday, December 4, 2025
5:30-7:30 pm
Location TBD

A light dinner will be provided. Please register here for the food count. 

_{Please note, this Forum was originally scheduled for November 6 but has been rescheduled to December 4.}

• Stay informed by signing up for email updates or checking this page regularly.

We need your voice. This is about building a local democracy that works better for everyone—and that starts with you.

This project is a collaboration between:

• The City of Rochester
• The National Civic League
• And community members like you!

For more information, contact:

• Michon Rogers, Office of the Mayor
• Nick Vlahos, National Civic League