21st Century Governing: Are Local Officials In Sync with Constituents?

There is a saying that all politics is local. As we stand at a quarter of the way into this century, how are local governments operating, and, importantly, keeping in sync with their constituents in today’s world of rapid technology, social media and polarization? When contending with critical social issues like affordable housing or economic development, are elected leaders taking the public’s pulse or proceeding, assuming their policy has support? Have recent controversial issues like the “Missing Middle” affordable housing initiative and the Monumental Sports arena failure, laid bare a growing rift between local government and constituents? Is the “Arlington Way” and the “Alexandria Way” of consensus building obsolete?

Join George Mason University’s Office of Community & Local Government Relations, Mason’s Schar School, Agenda Alexandria and Advance Arlington for this special event with two distinguished elected officials as they prepare to step away from public office: Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey and Alexandria City Mayor Justin Wilson. We welcome their input and perspectives on topics that include:

• Are the “Alexandria Way” and “Arlington Way” still effective for constituent input?
• How has local government changed in the last several decades?
• Lessons learned on economic development and affordable housing controversies
• Civility in public engagement given our polarized times
• How technology is / isn’t being used to engage the public
• Are we reaching young constituients who make up a growing population?
• Does one-party control of local government hamper compromise?
• Advice for current and future local elected officials

The event will be moderated by Michael Pope. An overview will be provided my Mason Professor Alan Abramson. Light refreshements will be served at check-in at 6:30 p.m. Program starts at 7:00 p.m.

Host or Publisher George Mason University @ Mason Square - Arlington