The Asynchronous Evolution: How Local Municipal Public Hearings Could Transform in the Next Decade

How to serve today’s public – where they are.

Introduction

In a world where technology is rapidly evolving and lifestyles are continuously shifting, we are witnessing a significant transformation in how services and activities are conducted. From streaming movies to remote education, the shift from synchronous to asynchronous formats has become a defining trend of our times. This blog post explores the macro forces driving this transition and extrapolates how these changes could revolutionize local municipal public hearings in the next decade.

Technological Advancements: The Digital Catalyst

The foremost driver of this asynchronous revolution is technological advancement. Digital technology, particularly the internet and mobile computing, has redefined the realms of possibility. Consider how movie watching has evolved from scheduled theater showtimes to on-demand streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. Or look at workplace communication, which has transitioned from real-time conversations to asynchronous chats over platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams. These examples underline the role of technology in facilitating a shift towards more flexible, user-friendly formats.

Changing Consumer Preferences: The Pursuit of Flexibility and Convenience

The second macro force is the change in consumer preferences and lifestyles. Today's fast-paced world demands convenience and flexibility. Online learning platforms like Coursera, banking services through mobile apps, and e-commerce shopping are testaments to this trend. The success of these platforms highlights a clear preference for services that align with individual schedules and lifestyles, offering a level of personalization and control that traditional formats cannot match.

Globalization and the 24/7 Economy: Catering to a Connected World

Globalization and the rise of a 24/7 economy have necessitated services that transcend geographical and time constraints. The need to cater to different time zones and schedules has propelled many services towards asynchronous models. Television viewing, music streaming, and news consumption, once tied to specific times and places, are now available on-demand, catering to a global audience.

The Future of Local Municipal Public Hearings

These three macro forces – technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and the demands of a global, round-the-clock economy – set the stage for a similar evolution in the realm of local governance, particularly in municipal public hearings. Traditionally, these hearings have required physical presence and participation at set times, limiting accessibility and engagement.

If we want to deliver hearings for today’s public, they will need to meet consumers where they are – remote and on their own schedule.

Governments were forced to take a small step forward as a result of COVID. The pandemic curtailed most non-vital in-person interaction for a year or more, requiring municipalities to allow remote meeting options. While most governments didn’t adopt asynchronous meetings at that time, the change to remote meetings did prove that governments could hold hearings in an online format, and that governments can change quickly when it is necessary.

As we move into the next decade, it's plausible to expect a shift towards more asynchronous formats in local governance. This could mean offering digital platforms for citizens to view, comment, and participate in public hearings at their convenience. Just as fitness enthusiasts now engage in exercise routines asynchronously through platforms like Peloton, citizens might soon be able to engage with civic processes on their schedules.

Embracing the Asynchronous Future

The transition to asynchronous formats in various facets of life is not just a trend, but a response to the evolving needs of a modern society. If local municipal councils and planning commissions adapt to these changes, they can enhance civic engagement, making governance more inclusive, accessible, and responsive. As we embrace this asynchronous future, the potential for more engaged and empowered communities is immense.

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