DESIGN: DEMOCRACY

Local restorative practices are replacing punitive models with dialogue, accountability, and community-centered conflict resolution. Why it matters Punitive systems fracture communities, deepen inequality, and fail […]

Worker co-ops, credit unions, and mutual aid networks are embedding democratic decision-making directly into the economic system. Why it matters Democracy often stops at the […]

Communities are granting legal rights to rivers, forests, and ecosystems—reshaping governance around interdependence, protection, and shared stewardship. Why it matters Modern governance treats nature as […]

Cities are adopting open budgets, open contracting, real-time dashboards, and public algorithm audits to rebuild trust through visibility. Why it matters People don’t distrust government […]

Communities are reclaiming agency over their data, digital identities, and infrastructure through local clouds, mesh networks, and data trusts. Why it matters Big Tech built […]

Teens and young adults are co-creating civic apps, climate councils, and storytelling collectives that modernize how democracy works. Why it matters For decades, young people […]

Indigenous nations are demonstrating consensus-based governance, guardianship councils, and sovereign decision-making rooted in relational ethics.   Why it matters At a time when political systems […]

Libraries, community centers, and maker spaces are becoming civic labs for debate, voting access, and community problem-solving. Why it matters Democracy works best when it’s […]

Randomly selected residents are helping cities make fairer, wiser decisions on climate, housing, justice, and the future of democracy. Why it matters Most people feel […]

  Residents are directing public spending and reshaping local priorities with transparency, trust, and shared decision-making. Why it matters Democracy isn’t just about elections — […]