As I mentioned some time ago, the City of Edmonton undertook a pilot project this year to involve a group of citizens, randomly selected and representative of the city's population, in a long-term education and consultation process that would help the City Council guide its decision-making in the 2010 budget process.The results of that process are avaialble here.The difference between polling people who have not been informed or educated on a topic and polling people who have is astounding. Consider that the last two referendums held on electoral reform had less than 50% support, but that the citizens' assemblies which were randomly selected and given an even-handed education on the topic always voted more than 95% in favour of reform. The only possible explanation is the education they received. I think the same positive effect is visible here. The report lists four wonderful recommendations:

1. Continue to increase the density of our city through long-term planning.
2. Ensure that our transportation system emphasizes the convenience of users and the uniqueness of Edmonton’s climate.
3. Use environmental and economic sustainability as the basis for policy decisions aimed at livability.
4. Use proactive and preventive methods to reduce crime and increase safety, such as early intervention and gender-specific safety initiatives.

The panel also recommended a change in thinking toward greater citizen involvement in democratic decision-making, and toward an understanding of the interconnected nature of the decisions the city has to make.I think this is an intelligent, visionary, and brave direction to have given the city, and I hope that the city takes full advantage of it. We'll see if it translates into action on the part of Edmonton City Council.