Council President Lederman to Appoint Working Group on Civic Engagement

Springfield City Council President Jesse Lederman will appoint a working group of city residents to identify priorities and provide policy and operational recommendations to improve civic engagement and involve more residents in the work of local government.

Council President Lederman is accepting applications for appointment to the working group beginning today with a deadline of Monday, September 19, 2022.

“Community and a better future should be at the heart of the work local government does every day, and we need more community voices at the table to solve our city’s greatest challenges and develop the next generation of leaders in Springfield,” said Council President Lederman, “Some of the issues I am thinking about are improving turnout in municipal elections, making it easier to engage with elected officials and local government entities, and encouraging residents to get involved with the important work of our neighborhoods councils, civic associations, and municipal boards and commissions. I expect the group will identify other priorities as well.”

“I want us to reach more people and involve more people in the work of local government. I’m hopeful to engage a diverse cross-section of our community to develop innovative recommendations to make local government work better,” added Lederman.

Springfield residents interested in participating should complete the following online application form to provide their name and address, and answer the questions regarding the reason for their interest in serving, what they see as the primary barrier to civic engagement today, and what priorities they think the working group should focus on, along with an optional resume: https://forms.gle/cNLkA6gpgsQcHE2G6

Those who are unable to submit their application online may drop off or mail the requested materials and contact information to the City Council Office at Springfield City Hall, 36 Court Street, Room 200, Springfield, MA 01103.

Residents interested in serving should be prepared to make a commitment to meeting as a working group in-person or virtually at least 4 times between September and December.

For more information contact the Springfield City Council Office at 413-787-6170 or e-mail City Council President Jesse Lederman directly at JLederman@springfieldcityhall.com.