Most important problem in community
the cost of food heating phone electric and goods
I'm assuming crime in some areas, climate control and health
Gstate government trying to interfere locally
Long term effects of inflation - higher prices, higher interest rates, etc.
Political partisanship is the worst issue.
Local government is uneducated and blind to what is important for my area.
homeless population a lot of people panhandling and living in their cars
City Counsel putting up to many roadblocks for new businesses to come in
Messaging that reaches 1/3 of population
Business and companies finding good employees
Hiring good people to work for the local public schools as bus drivers, para educators, teachers, supervisors.
The most important problem in my opinion is drug use.
In my local community, it's the cost of housing
A false blame of failure on the current administration.
Stupid people on City Council and an incompetant EDC director wreaking havoc in the business community, as we try to attract supporting indistries to the battery plant coming to our region.
The most important problem we have is inflation.
Having jobs that will allow people to pay their bills and be comfortable.
The local politics and not getting answers to what is really going on.
People will not listen to each other anymore.
Republicans and their efforts to subvert democracy.
People can't afford to shop like they used to
the inflation was something that hurt people's pockets.
The most important problem I believe is the cost of living.
The impending loss of democracy, if Trump wins in 2024
Too many job openings and not enough workers willing to take those jobs.
Useless Joe Biden and our governor Whitless/Whitmer
Mental Health, Work/Life Balance and Underpayment. We are working our lives away in jobs we can't stand with people we don't like, only to barely scrape by. Nobody in my generation expects to retire. I was working as a specialist in a field that was highly skilled and required a bachelor's degree, and I got $18/hr, $19.50 after a year of work and impressing my bosses with my work. I can still barely live. I was laid off in October when I took a break for mental health reasons and the company traded hands while I was gone.
Jobs not looking applications and the pay rates Suck Royally
I think it's the lack of affordable housing. Rent prices are skyrocketing, and it's becoming harder for people to find a place to live.
I really don't know, but I'd guess infrastructure
too many $250,000+ houses when people are only making $40,000 a year and need houses around $75,000-$100,000.
The possibility of MAGA victories in the next election.
Security of our democracy and the corruption of the supreme Court
Not dealing with the real problems, politcal games which hurt real people, putting up solar farms and windturbines which are destroying our beautiful state
Affordable housing, health care, and amenities.
Not just in my community, but the whole country: I would say that money and world-wide war/conflicts are the most important problem today.
The current administration in the white house it is full of idiots
There are so many as people are so stubborn and blind to anyone that they think they are better than but refuse to help.
People capable of working, choose not to work. Comfortable living on welfare.
food, so many can't afford and go to local pantrys
Crime encroachment from neighboring large city
Racism, Trump supporters elected to local office.
Cost of goods is too high and companies have become greedy and don’t pay enough
Government that is not working for citizens, but for the elites.
Immagration, too many illegal people coming into our country
Too many people think what you look like is more important than what you do
aging infrastructure (water, electric, internet/cable, roads)
Growth, our community is growing too large too quick don't have the infrastructure for all the people moving to the area
Affordable health coverage and climate change.
Preventing the continued spread of SARS-Cov-2. This is a mass disabling event
Low paying jobs and high cost of food, gas, utilities
The issue of housing for people who are on a fixed income. Rents are very high here.
The ultra conservative MAGA organization takeover of the county commission last year carrying out their agenda and mis-administering the county government business and skirting state and local laws
I think that the most important problem for my community is crime and safety. Sometimes I worry about the amount of crime, which may be because of lack of employment opportunities. With that said, we do have a lot of state resources and state jobs in the area. However, they are not easy to get into.
The economy - many small businesses have failed.
Low wages - wages that people cannot live off of. Big companies are all about $ and not taking care of their hard workers. Healthcare is ridiculously expensive and we're literally making choices to not get life saving medications.
High prices for everything, misuse of federal tax dollars
Empty buildings and no revenue producing businesses.
I'm not sure what the most important problem is in my community.
The most important problem in my community is lack of economic growth.
A lack of investment, and too much money going to corporations and shareholders instead of employees and the community
Cost of things, not inflation but the fact that prices are still high.
I really can't say. There's a lot of issues everywhere
I think the drug problem facing my community is the worst problem. People simply can't get themselves out of it or they would. We need more resources and people to navigate addicts to the right resources for the right amount of time in order to get the demand for these drugs down
The debate to allow the battery factory to be built
lack of support towards education and food scarcity because of low income population
Higher pay jobs for people with lower education level
We are a tourist town, so we only have seasonal work here for the most part. Most full time jobs don't pay enough to get by.
People wanting to switch to doing remote jobs instead of going to jobs in person for hours which is causing a job shortage, businesses getting shut down, people getting let go, etc.
A fascist is openly running for dictator and Republicans absolutely love it.
The inability to meet the needs of the residents, as taxes rise, so people move. So, the very shortened answer would be the economy.
Lack of good paying jobs for those without higher education.
people driving too fast on side streets where there are lots of children.
total lack of being a true Family Community, open to all
The most important problem facing our community today is Climate change.
Inflation; average person struggles to afford basics
That there is not a lot of good jobs in close proximity to choose from
That the factory in my town let go of 90percent of the employees and they have to find new jobs
Domestic Violence Created by the Trump Regime and the Do Nothing GOP
Housing help for the lower income without a eviction to get help with first month and deposit
Poverty, inflation, no jobs,no childcare
The most important problem facing my community today would be the lack of suitable jobs and affordable housing. People are being priced out of their homes and the cost to move is very costly.
INFLATION - HIGH GROCERY PRICES, INCREASE IN EVERYDAY LIVING EXPENSES
Lack of capitalist market for agricultural growers.
medical marijuana dispensary and related licensing and the corruption that accompanies it
My community. We need more businesses in all these empty builfings
Lack of cooperation and compromise for the sake of the country, in the government.
I acually can't think of an important problem
Too many businesses are closing or moving because of over taxation, over regulation and out of control retail theft.
The problem is that biden is president and hes screwing americans over.
Political corruption and misallocation of crucial resources
people living in campertrails and not keepimg them clean on the outside
Housing for the low-income & working class.
I can think of no problem that is important that my community is facing today.
prices. and the Trans stuff being pushed down everyones throats and trying to turn kids gay.
democrats in control of Michigan government
We are all extremely poor and starving in Detroit, the police are corrupt and they're killing people.
No good time in the state prison system, giving incarcerated individuals no real incentive to behave, & the money that our state government could save by passing legislation allowing low security inmates to be released early for good behavior.
Where the election commission need to rezone voting districts
Couldn't say. I'm not too involved with my community.
Repairing or replacing old infrastructures.
High inflation, record high grocery prices & record high cost of living across the board
Sexual assault and other nightlife issues
The attempt by those who moved to our rural community to be more like the cities that they left.
The government failing to promote plant-based diets
our president / his voters / most of the demarcates. in the capital
Inflation rising costs on gas, food, everything
The rate of inflation is higher than any amount of money you can earn
Past inflation’s effect on money on hand
racial tension especially in the job arena etc.
Lack of employment opportunities and rising prices
The most important problem facing the community today is inflation. Everything is priced so high.
Equal representation in all levels of government
I think the most important problem facing my community today is inflation due to the national debt. It is getting harder and harder to afford the basic necessities of life because of the inflation and the rising national debt
The roads need to be fix to save people cars
The lack of funds in our community means the place is partly unbuilt.
Too many liberal minded idiots that believe everything that the media spoon feeds them!
Wages disproportionate to inflation and cost of living
Little to no job protection or workers rights, employees can get knocked off a job with little to no warning for little to no reason. No job security for entry level employees, workers can be thrown around and used and abused as needed by companies with no repercussions or consequences. This creates a volatile work environment where workers are terrified of losing employment all the time and constantly mistreating one another in hopes of gaining a leg up in a false sense of job security. Entry level jobs have the highest turnover rates, which is horrible for the economy and for building better communities, we are literally taking the legs and feet of our economy and chopping them off. (Entry level and service industry) We could remedy this by creating incentives to hold on to employees, or creating reprecussions and consequences for throwing entry level employees out the door without actually taking the time to train, teach and guide them properly. 2. We could make it illegal to over work employees. Mandating workers for 6-7 day work weeks for doctors and related fields is needed and trained physicians and workers are scarce, but there is NO reason to mandate others when half of these corporations and companies don't even invest the income back into the United States. Why are we allowing big companies that aren't even loyal to the US to break the backs of our workers and demand so many hand outs and protections? Half of these guys aren't even putting the money they make back into our economy, we're spending all this money to keep these guys a float and in good shape, these companies should be FORCED to put that money (At least to an extent) or motivated in some way, to push that income back into our own land and people.
Health issues, starvation, money, hate and crime
It would be making good money to live comfortably off problem
Well-paying jobs that require less than a 15-minute commute
Fixing the roads and maintaining potholes
Everyone is divded and hates eachother because of politics
Cost of everyday items, food especially.
Rent prices & home buying prices are way too much,you could never stay ahead with the way inflation is.
There seems to be very few LGBTQ+ advocates
Constant road work being done and causing traffic and car accidents
The lack of resources we have available.
Inflation and diseases (ie: colds flus,)

Most important issues
Getting more companies to come to Mi and employ more people
changing the distribution of electoral college votes
Issues of life. Pro-life, quality of care for nursing home residents, and safety for all residents of Michigan. Health care for lower Michigan rural areas
Jobs, not forcing Union on to employees that made a choice not to join
Stop trying to subvert local control. STOP green energy initiatives, they are destructive.
Illegal immigration and excessive taxation
Affordable housing resources for low income individuals
Decreasing energy costs and using all available energy sources to keep prices low and readily available.
Passing more taxes for big business and wealthy.
Reduce spending and focus more on your residents and what is best for them
Redistribution of wealth toward poorer people and communities.
Keeping the budget balanced It's very important
Bridging to the other side, regain trust.
Great Lakes preservation. Shut down line 5
Prosecution of Trump for election interference and denial of my vote.
We need do something about climate change
Afffordable housing and cracking down of price gouging.
fixing roads no solar bonuses, no such thing as climate issues
They need to solve the problem with gun violence.
Continuing to work to end the partisan gerrymandering in our state
Fair and safe voting free of physical or mental attack from misinformed individuals.
work to restore State allocations for municipal government tot he level that will allow small cities/towns to finance local streets and supporting infrastructure, to help us grow.
They should work on crime in our cities.
Getting people back to work and stop expecting money to be handed out.
I'm not sure what Lansing can do to help the economy. Our issues are coming more from the white house and globally.
Illegal Voters and stuffing the ballot boxes
Job market is Michigan is generally bleak
close down the city's that help out illegal people. ( sanctuary cities)
Making food and housing easier to access.
They need to put the people before politics
Protecting abortion rights. Gun control.
Do the job they were hired to do. Stay at work until it is done.
Securing people's right to vote and make voting easier. Nothing matters if Republicans can just undo by corrupting elections and ballot access.
The issue of prices going up and no one can find employment.
The most important issue I think is the cost of living.
Affordable housing (especially for seniors)
Helping out the middle class that do not get raises, have to deal with rising inflation. Middle class are the ones paying for all the welfare programs.
Bringing jobs to the state from other states while not losing any already here.
inflation, lowering taxes, government corruption, legalizing marijuana, reforming the "health" care system
Putting Dana Nessel, Joslin Benson and Gretchen Whitmer in prison
ensuring fair and inclusive election processes
Feeding the homeless sex taffic male pretors
Mental Health, the Wage Gap, Unemployment, Health Care. They sound like different issues but they really go hand in hand. The wage gap is so discouraging, a lot of people have depression. They have no health care, so they can't get treated, and even if they did, it would still be too expensive, especially for things like talk therapy. When you cant get treated, you get worse, which causes you to lose your job. No job, no money, no health care, no life.
Keeping prices down and keeping taxes more fair.
Well, I think they should focus on improving education and creating more job opportunities. Education is the key to success, and job creation can help reduce poverty and improve the economy.
giving full healthcare coverage at no cost for those families making under $75,000 a year.
Disinformation/ strengthening social security/Medicare etc.
Continue protecting the rights of the citizens and protect us from the bad faith of the GOP and their attempts to overthrow democracy
healthcare , econemy and social security
lowering taxes and making it harder to get an abortion
Deporting illegals, enforcing picure ID for voting and HONEST voting.
Small business development, small farmer development
Guns idiots with guns , one time i was at gas station pumping gas & sure enough this Dickhead pulls up next to me starts filling gas and Why does he keep grabbing at his side spring coat area ? makes it very obvious he has a Gun in the holster on his side , prancing around back & forth looking to instigate something . ARE You serious , yeah youy have a GUN , wow cool your awesome Why he keeps messing with coat making sure he lets everyone know he has a gun on his side WHY ? Yup hes an idiot with a gun these ppl dont desearve them
I honestly don't follow what they are doing
Stop giving out free money to people that do not want to work.
Bring basic health care to the uninsured
working for the people, not their team /side
Abortion, remove Trump supporters from office, get rid of the really stupid politicians..
REMOVE THEMSELVES. OBEY THE CONSTITUTION. OBEY GOD'S LAWS
Government spending cuts and refunds to taxpayers.
securing the election and requiring ID to vote.
Equality, getting people to believe in science again, improving education and teaching free thinking and and critical thinking.
Infrastructure, increasing broadband to rural areas, and green initiatives.
Preventing the spread of SARS-Cov-2. This is a mass disabling event
Improving the mental health care system and strickening gun laws
Military-type weapons out of the hands of civilians
listen to the people and don't force green energy on us
I. Think working on human rights is very important. It’s difficult to say what is the most important area to focus on, but that’s one of them. Further, infrastructure is very important as well. With that said, I think crime rate, employment, and things along that nature are very important. That may fall into what my first appointment was.
taxes on homeowners reducing costs for families crime
Improving the economy, by cutting red tape/regulations on small businesses.
Helping the financial situation of the citizens
More benefits and pay for childcare workers
Climate crisis, environmental preservation, wildlife preservation and protection
Economy and stop concentrating on issues that don't matter
Rebuilding the infrastructure. Roads and bridges are in deplorable condition.
infrastructure improvements and education of our students
stopping the bribing (campaign “contributions”) of our officials
government transparency. The Michigan legislature is legendary for being opaque and corrupt
Environmental issues pertaining to protecting the Great Lakes
Human "Infrastructure" (finding pathways to support people getting into careers in struggling systems- the health care system and education are two that come to mind), and material infrastructure
Stop with all the gender crap. Waste of time and resources
Fixing water issues in Flint & other at risk areas.
It is most important that they focus on bringing more good paying business and employment opportunities to rural areas.
I don't know, there's a lot that needs to be done
I believe that the most important issue legislation should be working on is addict case management. There are plenty of programs for addiction but until someone is committed to navigating addicts to resources and owning them, meaning making sure they get the right resources for the right amount of time we won't halt the demand for these deadly drugs. I believe our economy will benefit, mental health will improve and crime will decrease once we dedicate a commitment to addict case management.
Reform child protection laws to prevent innocent families from being torn apart.
Less dependency on welfare and unemployment; better paying jobs, and more teachers in classrooms.
Education, supporting tourist economy, unemployment and low income and food
Auto insurance prices, inflation and price gouging,
They should be focused on jobs, but instead they are focused on taking law abiding peoples 2nd Amendment Rights away!
Eliminate regulations and roll back the ever-encroaching government tyranny. Stop weaponizing government against the people.
attracting more businesses and residents
Increasing in demand job skills and opportunities
The Economy. Fix that, fix nearly everything else.
Ensuring everyone’s civil rights are fully protected
Antisemitism in the big cities and universities
Get rid of gender grooming, porn and child mutilation in all levels of education!
cities with water and infrastructure needs.
Preventing the right from taking control of governorship, house, and senate
Economic benefits for middle class families
Restore coverage for catastrophic car injury victims.
Education and suicide rate for teens and adults
Jobs and wages. There is little point in focusing on other things, unless we can get our people ready to support themselves.
Stopping the covid vaccine push. Follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Getting us sound money interest free n backed by gold n silver.
I think the most important issue for governors and legislators in Lansing to focus on is Climate change and Animal hospital funding
stopping thw rise of fdascism and protecting democracy from the right.
Passing laws that make it fair for all people and not just certain groups.
Human trafficking, bullying in schools, child neglect and abuse
Not overspending and protecting the water use of the great lakes
Defeating Extreme Right Winged Domestic Terrorists
Repairing and updating Michigan infrastructure
What is going on with the fixed income people who are not able to make a big payment for back taxes and then the landbank is throwing out the senior who is unable to make a large payment and then they can't afford to move because of the same thing
I’m not certain what they’re ever doing, if anything. I’d say communicating with the Federal Government to work on the cost of college education.
Car insurance prices, child support laws
Teacher recruiting and retention. Pay is a major impediment.
It is most important for the governor to work on ensuring full-time employment for working residents, along with benefits, because not everyone can obtain full-time employment with benefits.
Roads need repaired badly, more importantly drugs and hate crimes
Changing the bills/income thresholds for state assistance increasing minimum wage and anything financial
The lack of affordable places for rent in our state
Banning thr bright LED vehicle headlights
providing an alternative to working less hours to remain on benefits
Lowering taxes and giving new business a tax break
Lower taxes, crime and regulation of our lives.
Children's issues i.e. health, education ect
Validating voters ID , vote in person on day of election .
inflation, the economy, stop changing laws that work
Cutting their own pay and reducing police budgets (it won't happen this system is too far gone)
Getting ALL Cannabis prisoners released and their records expunged!!
Hard to say, but.. maybe more after school programs.
Increasing homelessness, food insecurity for families with children
I do not have enough confidence in the legislature to want them to work on any important issue. I fear any issue they address will only get worse, so I would have more peace of mind if I knew they were not doing anything. Gridlock and inaction are now my preference.
Income inequality and raising minimum wage
The most important issue the Governor and Legislature in lansing should focus on is the type of eucation our children are getting in local schools. in our schools.
Economic Growth. Population stabilization. Teach kids real education and not indoctrination by the left wing wackos
getting to work for all the people in Michigan , not just a few select.
Not allowing illegal aliens to get anything from programs meant for the poor, needy, elderly & disabled
Just make the state a great place to live
Good time legislation for state prison inmates
The democrats in charge have it all taken care of
Not a very easy question to answer. Political extremism, the environment, abortion rights, healthcare... all important.
Help for senior citizens to repair homes.
I think inflation is the most important issue to focus on
Stopping the Influx of illegal immigrants which us putting a financial strain on an already financially strained system!
Crime and making the punishment fit the crime; be it against humans or animals..
Fix the damn roads like she said she would do, instead of the fashion shows she is always displaying
Combating inflation, putting a price cap on basic goods (Toilet paper, milk, bread).
Less focus on ev's,leve line 5 alone,infrastructure
bringing well paying jobs to MI, fairly taxing Michiganders, fairly distributing educational funds, paying teachers
Diversifying the state economy via reducing admin burden
School System, Crime , affordable housing and homeless
income inequality and workers' rights (limit full time to 32 hours/week)
They need to focus on stopping inflation and taking care of communities and people in need
Not sure not very familiar with that part of town or issue.
Raising the minimum wage so that working people earn enough money to afford a decent standard of living.
I think the most important issue that the governor and legislature (in Lansing) should focus on is rising costs due to inflation which is causing people in Michigan to become homeless.
Personally I don't know a lot about problems in my local community and I cant think of a good answer to provide. But maybe keeping taxes low.
fixing the mental health issues in the state
Getting our educators help to they can teach our children
To fix their environment and allow for better tourism.
Infrastructure, housing and public safety
The rate of jobs being offered to the Citizens and to get control of the drugs.
the medical and also money making is at its lowest
They decided to destroy people freedom instead of letting them make their own decisions
Inflation on every day things. A loaf of bread shouldn't have to cost 5 dollars no matter what brand. It's disgusting. The government needs to get their priorities straight
Keeping people in the state and getting people to move to the state
I think they should focus on the schools and making sure our kids are set up to succeed
Inflation of everything, but yet wages are not going up fast enough to sustain life
Keeping prices down food,gas and utilities.
Homelessness, drug addiction, and mental health
The economy and helping people in time of need during outrages pricing on everything
Increasing awareness of basic human rights
Invest our tax money to support citizens and get more jobs going so less people are unemployed
More resources to people facing hard times.
Helping my city and other urban cities to stop the violence and drugs. But they won’t.

Completed Application Form and Eligibility Interview
Completed Application Form, Eligibility Interview, and Criminal Background Check

Completed Application Form, Eligibility Interview, and Criminal Background Check
Completed Application Form and Eligibility Interview

Completed Application Form and Eligibility Interview
Completed Application Form, Eligibility Interview, and Criminal Background Check

Completed Application Form and Eligibility Interview
Completed Application Form, Eligibility Interview, and Criminal Background Check

Completed Application Form and Eligibility Interview
Completed Application Form, Eligibility Interview, and Criminal Background Check

Completed Application Form, Eligibility Interview, and Criminal Background Check
Completed Application Form and Eligibility Interview

Completed Application Form, Eligibility Interview, and Criminal Background Check
Completed Application Form and Eligibility Interview

Completed Application Form and Eligibility Interview
Completed Application Form, Eligibility Interview, and Criminal Background Check

Completed Application Form and Eligibility Interview
Completed Application Form, Eligibility Interview, and Criminal Background Check

Completed Application Form and Eligibility Interview
Completed Application Form, Eligibility Interview, and Criminal Background Check

Barriers to outreach events
TROLLS - Too often people that speak up get verbally attacked.
Time, crowded, I prefer a survey or one on one
Never contacted for and have never known about these.
Just new to the area. Moved from another state. Getting familiar with new state and policies etc.
Caring for disabled daughter and trying to hold a job
Have contacted the State of Michigan about problems at businesses.
Real life problems and responsibilities. Also, typically such events accomplish nothing and are a waste of time. These events are not used to create real policy, they’re used to ‘message’ what has already been decided.
I don’t get involved for personal reasons
social anxiety, not wanting to be judged, not wanting to be recorded and put on the internet
I don't have the time & I don't think I would make a difference
Generally they do what they want anyway. Only do them most of the time because they are required
Always working or don't know when they meet
Physical disability and lack of transportation
Shy, not willing to speak up in front of groups of people.
I work for the local government in which I reside. I don’t feel I can safely express my opinion without jeopardizing my employment.
When they’re scheduled, having to spend my time, having to leave the house
No interest in local government issues. Trust those I elected to represent my wishes. Actually, won’t leave home for this type of event.
I don't drive and have no interest in participating
Working a part time job and a full time job every day
The weather has been terrible this winter.
No interest, I do not like to be out after dark.
only have hearings if required and is only a formality
People only want to hear what they want to hear.
Usually short if any notice, decisions often seem to be made in advance through back room deals
usually I don't know where to go or have a ride to get there.
I basically am a hermit-don't like being in public.
Do not like to participate in group functions
Time and knowing when they are being held
Have not encountered an issue that I am passionate about
I have not seen them advertised as something I can go to and participate
Legal matters that I address in my own time.
I find they are one sided with decisions already made?? And argumentative
disability access to transportation and into buildings
Lack of information about these opportunities
been there, done that. Time for younger people to get involved.
Time, anxiety, not feeling like politicians would listen
time and energy, unaware of events, rural community
Not a Good Presentation or Representation
I don't have time and it depends on how important that subject is to me
No interest - I focus on national issues
Knowledge of them happening, fear of right wing retaliation from radicals
i share and i like to share when i have some time
I am elderly, live alone and am in a wheelchair.
Knowledge that the workshops are going on
Time, other events happening concurrently
Time, don’t know about them, and transportation
Never had prior interest or knew when or where they were
I’m a liberal-thinking person in a very conservative local.
Interest in topic; location; available compatible time
Lack of time, poor health, and don't believe it will have a significant impact
Don't know about the opportunities available
Time. I work long hours far from home and just can't make it to this events
I did participate when living in Colorado. To participate here, I need more information. I would like to participate.
Time. The time it is held and my work schedule.
Lack of public transit. Lack of mask mandates during an ongoing pandemic
I am a relatively new resident to Ottawa County and Michigan and am not very familiar with local government and how things work
The time of day and sometimes her location. Also, at times, I’m areas that require paid parking.
I have to work 12 hours 7 days a week or I won't be able to pay my bills
Liberals not wanting to hear a conservative opinion
Time, interest in the topic, applicable knowledge of the topic
Our township government is very competent.
knowing when and where the event was to be held
Haven’t been contacted or have no interest in taking the time
Feeling as though it wouldn't make a difference
I have adult children and was do we n this road a long time ago
I have minimal problems with the status quo
Disinterest; I've lived in this community for just a short time, so I don't have a clear understanding of what's really needed.
The need to work. These meetings are always heals during working hours
I don't like people, don't like having to go places, don't care enough to drive and deal
I have an anxiety disorder and limited mobility and this has significantly kept me from participating in these types of events.
working during the time of meetings plus having young children to watch/care for
Lack of outreach that these events are happening.
Try to avoid large crowds and I’m too busy and don’t have a car.
the group hosting the hearing has usually made its decision prior to the public hearing, the hearing itself is just a formality
I simply don't feel strongly enough about most issues to find the time to attend. I also prefer a more confrontational approach to getting my point across.
Busy, didn’t know they were happening, didn’t want to go in person
There are no obstacles, but I did not want to participate.
I don't care enough about issues that don't directly affect me.
Work. I have watched some local stuff online and read about in local newspapers.
The barriers that have kept me from participating in these events are not just a matter for the community but a question of the individual who has the
I am not aware that events are happening
Not super interesting in being involved in politics
I am happy with the way that my city is functioning and the performance of its administrative personnel
People have become completely unhinged in politics, and political discussion. I have no desire to get into arguments.
Too busy working when I find it. Gotta pay that high rent
The barriers that keep me from participating in these events (voting, volunteering, etc.) are usually not enough time, fatigue, and that I am always overworked and do not have enough time for any extracurricular activities.
Lack of transportation and information on when these events occur, lack of money
Have no idea where to go or what to do or start.
Won't make a difference so not worth wasting my time
Lack of knowing when they are being conducted
I don't know or hear about them. Also don't drive.
Cant make a difference because of the establishment
I don't have time and it probably won't even make a difference
City hall usually has their mind made up already
My Christian faith is more important to me.
other volutneer jobs and helping others take up my time
These events are held from obligation, not interest. I.e., just because an agency asks for public comment does not mean the public has influence. Their protocol requires them to allow comment, but they have already made their decisions before comments begin... and in some way I don't blame them since public comments tend to be venting rather than thoughtful deliberation. This is especially the case with Town Hall meetings, which only activists attend (normal people are too busy). I do not want to waste time and risk political persecution by attending these forums. I admit even doing this survey is not the best use of time. But I only do this to keep me thinking.
To be honest, I feel that my voice would never be heard and my opinions futile.
I have a hard time with groups of people. And struggle with making my thoughts come out in a way people understand.
I don't know how to drive and I have nobody to help me so I never ever leave my house
Didn't feel the need to participate at the local level, I'm mostly satisfied my local government. Didn't see the point at the state level, I doubt they would have cared about my opinion.
Not aware of when they take place & don't know how my contribution would be beneficial
I do not know about them and do not have the time do partake.
Not enough notification, history has proven community board members do what they want regardless of community residents wishes or opposition
I keep getting sick, so I stay home a lot.
Not aware of them, was told young, or now too difficult with young children
If you looked at my answer you would have seen that I have participated in some events. The ones where I did not, I saw no need or I would have.ot
I can't hear very will. If they asked me something I might get it wrong.
I'm not sure that my opinion would really count.
No barriers, just busy working long hours.
Haven’t felt strongly enough about an issue to get involved yet, nor do I seek to publicity
I don't think i would feel represented or listened to.
The barriers that have kept me from participating in these events have been a lack of personal interest and not feeling like it would benefit me/my life in any way if I were to participate in these types of events.
I haven't been motivated or interested in attending.
time, transportation, don't know when/where they even are
I don’t feel these events help the issue
I'm not sure those investigations were classified
Lack of information, these events are not thrown in my face everyday and I rarely watch the news to see if they are.
I guess there's not many don't hear a lot about them.
I honestly have never even heard of a focus group until just recently. I would like to be apart of one.
Just not quite interested in them and have other stuff occupying my time
Time and day of the event. More event should take place on the weekends not just weekday evenings.
I'm an introvert, I have bad social anxiety
never had much to input. Lack of interest.
Not interested in hearing people holler at each other
Don't know when or where they are happening
Transportation, lack of knowledge, will to become informed.
I have no desire; there are no barriers.
Not much information when these type of things go on.

What would help you to engage in these events
To seek out these events and learn about them
Surveys which are not fundraisers and an elected official who is prolife. Otherwise, speaking to someone who does not care about the most innocent among us is a waste of time. Why talk about education, job market and increasing MI population of you ignore abortion, the elephant on the room!?
I use other avenues of researching issues.
Having time to care for her needs, keep a job that can pay bills and have time to be involved
Nothing. I avoid people and social situations as much as possible. No interest to engage in such events.
Something I think I could make a difference in
Honest leaders actually interested in their constituents rather than the typical hacks that have corrupted the entire system.
If they actually had a chance of making a difference
Following what’s going on in your town more?
1. Interest on my part 2. Being asked to participate
Nothing, not a priority. Gen Z and Millennials need to get more involved. My time of podcasting truth to power in public is for younger than me.
I would need to make sure I knew the facts both backwards and forward
I am a member of ALbion's City Council, I find it easy to engge in these sorts of activities. I see it as my role and responsibility as a citizen and elected official.
to be more serious and tackel real community problems
A friend to provide transportation and attend
make it more like a meet n greet. perhaps a light meal
Small gift or compensation for my time. Topic interesting or relevant to me
More information ahead of time, daytime events.
Feeling like citizen input actually mattered
if people making decisions would actually listen
Stop black crime so to be safe at events.
Unless you can make the day longer . Not much
More transparent government, harsher penalties for those who engage in below board deal making
getting help with m y anxiety or doing these things online
Nothing would help engage in these events.
Being able to attend & participate virtually.
Knowing that the time spent made a difference
Having more personal time available to me to attend events.
more survey opportunities rather than in person
everything done live streaming in addition to the in person meetings.
More information being available to the public about these events
Legislative action demonstrating listening to constituents
More information and informed Representation
I’m not really sure how to answer this question
I don't have a lot of time with 3 small kids
A financial assistant or appreciation from our local community, seeing that our voices are heard and listened to.
being able to participate online without showing my name and face
Be invited, or aware that they are happening
Getting the word out, security and protection from right wing violence and harassment
hope of good results for our social area
Televised on a local television channel like they used to do.
Invitation or at least an alert that they were going on
Having fewer things to do with my free time.
Having more opportunities to do so in a small town
Having more time and the desire to do so
Interesting topic that I have some knowledge in
If it really interest me I guess I would participate
Scheduled after work hours and better communications from municipalities (i.e. mailers or paper fliers delivered to my home)
Having the events later or perhaps online
Knowledge if date and times, what part of the government is responsible for certain projects
Public transit. Online participation. Masks required
if they were held during the day rather than at night.
Allowing us to attend at home and be able to still ask question and provide our feedback.
I don't have interest in participating in some of these events.
being invited and appropriate compensation for my time
I haven’t had any difficulty engaging in these types of events
Email show when and what will be discussed
Just not in a position do be part of this conversation
Offer local foods to try from cafes & restaurants
more reliable, affordable public transit
More advertising about them, or if I felt strongly about an issue
Events outside of regular business hours, notification in advance, capacity for everyone interested
Not much really. I participate in the areas as much as i probably ever will
If they were scheduled in the evenings or weekends,
Increased mobility and better mental health would possibly increase my participation in this type of events.
Better publicity; held at accessible times
it'd be nice if our local officials weren't so sleezy and racist
Online forms to fill out when I have time with my answers
Better advertising of the events from multiple sources
Someone to watch my child while attending a meeting
If they could be online, or if I could write in.
representative accountable to the participants input
Increased energy, sleep, and a babysitter
Make them more than a way to pacify residents on issues that directly influence them.
If I have enough time I will engage in these events.
A notice about the event a few weeks before it happends
the only way i could see this is to say the word and then the
More advertisement more relevance more offered
when they actually feel like they make a differnece.
Informationen about when and where they are, I would want to have been a resident of my community for longer
Topics of serious concerns regarding women and children
More surveys I can do on my time at home
Content ois Extreme Right Leaning and Not Best for the Community
Nothing, unless politicians would like to cut the division politics, and bring people together.
More public notice, public appearances at grocery stores where people do their day to day activities
something that would affect my family or myself
Something I have interest in. Or something that affects me and my community
Hopefully the government will give a fuck first, then I’ll participate.
I will engage if it is something that concerns me.
Compensation by means of tickets to local games or concerts
Knowing where and when they are being held
Thinking politicians cared about the public
Because of my eyes, I can't drive anymore, so I need a ride that IS NOT public transportation.
Thyere is nothing that would help me engage in these events.
Having someone to help me. I haven't been to a store or a grocery store in YEARS because nobody will help me
If I felt like my voice would actually make a positive difference.
Things that closely related to things I care about
If they have more activities to complete
A mass public text to inform people of the date and time
If there was more information about them on social media
More free time from doctors appointments.
Proof the community board members actually take into consideration the residents wishes, complaints or opposition to their plans
Weekend meetings and proper notification
Having a calendar of when they're happening
If I though the government had my back when I speak my mind
More publicity and outcomes from the events
nothing even with a hearing aid in a large group .
Increase pay, so I wouldn't have to work overtime.
If a republican takes over Michigan instead of a dumocrat
Knowing when and where they are happening
Some layer of anonymity to prevent attacks against myself and family from opposing voices
Relevant questions pertaining to the community
At this point nothing. I did when I could.
decreasing the limit for full-time work, increased broadcasting for when these events take place
The members taking more serious action when I comes to things like this
Sometimes it seems like they’re just a place for wealthy residents to complain about the homeless/students/anyone less well off than them.
Because it puts out good vibes into the environment
Compensation for my time of being there.
Phone notifications, maybe use the new technology to encourage attendance in that general area. This technology is used all the time to pitch sales and for advertising, why not rig that tech for informing the local public about where they can and can't voice the opinions they have and participate in community hearings and events.
Then contact me directly and i might consider.
Maybe if they were about a topic I could get involved with and enjoy
more people im okay with and the vibe of the event
The people running and talking to the crowd . Good conduct, not acting out of malice. Don't act the magats people and Republican party. The Republican party is sickening
Holding events on the weekends and in places where there are other services nearby, like public transit and places to eat.
If I thought people would respect your opinion
Notice about when or where they are happening
Maybe if I felt like me going would have an impact on the community
Knowing when and where and what issues lie ahead!

referred engagement activities - other(text)
Online forum where users are not directly responding to each other but all responses are publicly viewable.

Religious affiliation - other(text)
Spiritual but don’t conform to any religion
Personal relationship with god, not organized religion
Believe that you can believe in God your own way
I am just a follower of Jesus's teachings
Christian follower of Jesus not religious instititions
Believe in a higher power, believe in spirits and afterlife, believe in mother nature, Intuition, my own.

Employment status - other(text)
Combination of 3 part time jobs, one is self employment
Working on opening a new business but not currently being paid
Need to apply for disability but I have my house and two children I care for which is a busy job

Area you live in - text
One stop light small country town in between lansing, mi and Detroit, mi