How Civic Engagement, Trust, Responsiveness, and an Open City Government
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2026
Location: The Forum on the Minnie Howard campus, 3775 W Braddock Rd)
Time: 6:30pm (social: food, refreshments, conversation), the panel starts promptly at 7:00pm.
Please join Agenda:Alexandria on Monday, September 28th, to discuss and discover how our city government responds to your concerns, engages with the public on controversial issues, and makes public policy decisions.
Our local government exists to serve the needs/priorities of its residents and businesses. But how does our City respond to our concerns, engage with us on controversial issues, and make those public policy decisions?
Agenda:Alexandria’s panel will discuss how our city government addresses civic engagement in terms of (1) taking input from the community and (2) by providing visibility and transparency into its processes. The moderated panel discussion involves four different perspectives: that of the city government, organized community/citizen interest, the press that holds the government accountable, and a view from outside Alexandria.
We will explore the inherent tension between the need to address complicated (and sometimes controversial) community issues while still providing meaningful opportunities for diverse (and sometimes divisive) public input — and what genuine responsiveness looks like. We will understand how members of the community can have their voices heard, and what an honest, trust-building relationship between residents and City Hall could be.
The panel, to be moderated by former Agenda:Alexandria Chair Rod Kuckro, includes:
- Alethea Predeoux, Alexandria Deputy City Manager
- Scott Corzine, Chair of the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations
- Michael Pope, author, journalist, and podcaster
- Erika Moore, Arlington Assistant County Manager & Director of Communications and Public Engagement
Attendees can send questions in advance to [email protected]
Admission is free for current Agenda:Alexandria members, $10 at the door for everyone else. Membership costs $50/year for individuals and $80/year for families, and can be obtained by hitting the “Join” button, above — and it’s tax-deductible.
We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be an engaging and informative discussion on Alexandria’s civic engagement and you!
Agenda:Alexandria would not be possible without the support from our Members and Sponsors:
