Potholes, Parks, and Politics: A guide to getting things done locally (without having to run for office yourself) - Paperback

by Lisa R. Shaffer (Author), Teresa Arballo Barth (Contribution by)

Every citizen deserves to be heard. This book will show how to use your voice productively.

It gives easy-to-understand guidance for anyone who wants to see change happen in their community. Based on real-life experience as activists and elected officials, the authors explain the most effective strategies for making progress on local issues that matter to the reader.

Whether you seek better roads, a new park, or a particular approach to housing, the tools and techniques in this guidebook will help you analyze your issue, develop your case statement, identify and work with stakeholders, and engage constructively with city staff and elected officials.

The book includes a "toolbox" section with samples and guidance, from a problem analysis worksheet to a case statement, to correspondence with elected officials and social media posts. It is aimed at ordinary citizens trying to understand local government and make something happen in their community.