There’s a saying that all politics is local. As we stand at a quarter of the way into this century, how are local governments operating, and, importantly, keeping in sync with their constituents in today’s world of rapid technology, social media and polarization? When contending with critical social issues like affordable housing or economic development, are elected leaders taking the public’s pulse or proceeding, assuming their policy has support? Have recent controversial issues like the “Missing Middle” affordable housing initiative and the Monumental Sports arena failure, laid bare a growing rift between local government and constituents? Is the “Arlington Way” and the “Alexandria Way” of consensus building gone?
Join Advance Arlington, Agenda Alexandria, George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government and the Office of Community and Local Government Relations for this special event with two distinguished elected officials as they prepare to step away from public office: Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey and Alexandria City Mayor Justin Wilson. We welcome their input and perspectives on topics that include:
- Are the “Alexandria Way” and the “Arlington Way” still effective for constituent input?
- How has local government changed in the last several decades?
- Lessons learned on economic development and affordable housing controversies
- Civility in public engagement given our polarized times
- How technology is / isn’t being used to engage the public
- Are we reaching young constituents who make up a growing population?
- Does one-party control of a local government hamper compromise?
- Advice for current and future local elected officials
This event will take place on Wednesday, October 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium at George Mason University’s Arlington campus. Light refreshments will be provided. Participants can also register to attend via Zoom.
Author and journalist Michael Pope will moderate the conversation. Dr. Alan Abramson, professor and the director of the Center on Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Social Enterprise in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University, will provide an overview of the major topics and issues to be discussed during the panel.
