Civic Engagement, Trust, Responsiveness, and an Open City Government
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2026
On Monday, September 28, 2026, Agenda:Alexandria convened a panel 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 discussed 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 explored 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 learned 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, moderated by former Agenda:Alexandria Chair Rod Kuckro, included:
- 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
The event took place in The Forum on the Minnie Howard campus.
Watch On-Demand
Agenda:Alexandria would not be possible without the support from our Members and Sponsors:
