Co-governance is an approach to governing where government and community residents share decision-making power by working side-by-side through formal and informal structures to design, plan, and implement policies and programs that achieve tangible outcomes. It addresses hyper-local community needs, structural racism, and systemic economic inequality.

1. Local community knowledge. Prioritize action on the priorities that residents raise, recognizing that different community areas may require different solutions.

2. Racial solidarity and justice. Work to actively address structural racism in our city.

3. Transparency. Provide clear and open communication using jargon-free language that is accessible to people who speak languages other than English and to people of all ages and education levels.

4. Government accountability. Publicly update communities about government action and frequent opportunities for residents to work side-by-side with government to make decisions and shape future action.

5. Inclusion of historically excluded people. Focus on centering the voices and experiences of residents who have been historically excluded from government processes, including people who are directly negatively impacted by systemic inequality, youth, and older adults.

6. Sustainable, active engagement. Outreach and communication should be ongoing activities at all stages of decision-making processes to ensure residents remain involved and aware of government action. Education about city government departments and processes strengthens our opportunities to collaborate. Collaborative governance should happen on a continuous basis and not solely at the beginning of a new or existing program/policy cycle.

7. Follow-up and follow-through. Focus on achieving tangible outcomes and communicating results.