Working Cities flipped the conversation for its first ever Candidate Mixer. Instead of asking candidates to offer speeches and policy ideas, residents challenged them to listen first. Candidates sat at tables while residents circulated and exchanges their thoughts, concerns, and ideas.
Every person running for Pittsfield City Council attended, plus candidates for City Clerk and School Committee. At the end of the evening, candidates were charged with reporting back to the group what they heard.
The event was shared on Facebook Live and is still available to view on the Working Cities Pittsfield page.
If candidates don’t hear from residents, they cannot make informed policy decisions. Working Cities Pittsfield works to encourage conversations with elected officials.