the.com/community meetings
local democracy's waiting room, where three people argue and everyone else checks their phone.
means a gathering where residents discuss shared issues, but attendance skews toward whoever is angriest about parking.
from rooted in the new england town hall tradition of the 1600s, where direct citizen participation was the whole point of self-governance.
attendance mathunder 1 percent of residents typically show up
speaking timeloudest voices get outsized influence over quiet majorities
zoning meetingsfamously attract retirees and almost no renters
for instance
nimby zoning hearings — routinely block housing projects across american cities
hoa board meetings — can spend 40 minutes debating mailbox paint color
town hall forums — new england tradition still practiced in vermont since 1600s