Season 2, Episode 4

Winning the democracy lottery

In this episode, we visit Petaluma, California to learn about how the city opened up the decision making process about the future of the local fairgrounds.

When public officials embark on efforts to incorporate more civic input in city decisions, they are often hamstrung by inefficient means that favor the loudest voices in a room. But more people want a say in their local government; they just need the right opportunity. 

For Petaluma, California, it was something called the "democracy lottery." In this episode, we explore what that is and the power that comes from letting the community deliberate in a public way. Hear from Petaluma's city manager and one of the residents who was part of the fairgrounds panel.

In this Episode

Peggy Flynn

Peggy Flynn, who has served as city manager of Petaluma, California since 2019. She brings more than 25 years of public sector experience, having served in communications and leadership positions for the City of Novato, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency

Alex Renirie

Alex Renirie, program co-leader at Healthy Democracy. Prior to Healthy Democracy, she spent seven years working with environmental and social justice non-profits as an organizer, trainer, and administrator on grassroots advocacy campaigns. All her work centers around one simple principle: involve more people in the policy decisions that affect their lives.

Seely Umalut

Seely Umlaut, a panelist on the Petaluma Fairgrounds Lottery project. She moved to Petaluma in 2021 and splits her time between making art and administrative work.