Listed below are topics proposed for small group discussion during Session 6 of Toronto Civics 101. These topics have been submitted by participants and City staff. In some cases, similar discussion topics submitted have been synthesized into a single topic.
New topics can still be submitted by posting a comment here or sending an email to engagement@toronto.ca up to the start of discussions on December 3.
1. Next Steps - Post Toronto Civics 101
Now that you have completed Toronto Civics 101 and gained this information – what will you do with it? Discuss your plans with your fellow participants.
2. Compare Notes on Organizing with Social Media
Blogs, Facebook and Twitter are some of the tools gaining popularity to communicate with and organize people with common interests. Share your stories about using these tools.
3. Volunteering Stories
Volunteering is one way to get involved in your community and contribute to your City. Discuss some of your lessons from volunteering experiences.
4. Cut the Red Tape
Any service or program requires some administrative processes, but it can result in inefficiencies. Share your experiences encountering red tape at City Hall. How would you fix the situation?
5. Is Growth Good?
Toronto has more cranes in the air than Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and San Francisco combined. New residential development provides housing for new residents of a city, and contributes to the revenue of the municipality through development charges and property taxes. But it can also change neighbourhood character and population densities. Discuss the pros and cons of growth.
6. Ideas for New Revenue Sources
The City will continue to face budget pressures under the current fiscal arrangements. New revenue tools are now possible under the new City of Toronto Act, and a number have been identified. What do you think of these taxes and fees? Do you have any other ideas?
7. Local Community in the Planning Process
Every planning approval considers diverse input from the local community. Their opinions must be balanced with the interests of the City as a whole, and the accommodation of population growth. How can this balance be achieved?
8. Addressing Homelessness
Toronto is a wealthy city, and yet people are homeless here. What is the role of residents and the City to address the problem? Who else should be involved?
9. The Public’s Role in Improving Voter Turnout
In the last municipal election, voter turnout was 39.3%. Discuss the ideas put forward in the Session 5. What can you do to increase voter turnout in 2010?
10. How Can the City Increase Public Engagement?
You have heard how public input feeds into the planning process and Council’s decision-making process. What advice would you give the City to ensure your voice is heard during these processes?
11. Engaging High-risk Communities
How should the City engage high-risk groups such as newcomers and youth? What strategies should be used? Discuss your ideas.
12. Evaluating Toronto Civics 101
This is the first time the City has hosted Toronto Civics 101, and you were our first class. What ideas do you have to improve the program?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment