Bristol’s first citizen’s assembly, which will see a group of residents help shape the city’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, will take place this weekend.
The citizens’ assembly will give members of the public the time and opportunity to learn about and discuss a topic, before reaching conclusions and then making recommendations to be taken forward.
The first topics of discussion at the assembly will sit within the broad themes of the environment and climate change; transport; and health and social care.
Councillor Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor said: “This is such an exciting opportunity for residents across our communities to help shape Bristol’s recovery following COVID-19. Only through listening to the voices of residents, can we truly create a city that offers opportunity for all. I’m proud our assembly actively sought the involvement of all communities and reflects the rich diversity of people living in Bristol.”
Commenting on the assembly, co-chairs of the Bristol Advisory Committee on Climate Change Prof Jim Longhurst and Dr Jo House, say, “This citizens assembly provides a valuable chance for the public to shape Bristol’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030 and responds to Bristol Advisory Committee on Climate Change recommendation that, in delivery, the One City Climate Strategy delivery is more explicit about the scale of societal change required achieving a rate of change, which the committee estimates needs to almost double. We hope that this is the first opportunity of many to develop the democratic mandate further and increase understanding of the climate challenge and interrelated issues such as health, resilience and inclusive economic development.”
The first citizens’ assembly will be held this Saturday 16 January and Sunday 17 January. The assembly will discuss and answer the question ‘How do we recover from COVID-19 and create a better future for all in Bristol?’
Simeran Bachra, UK Cities Manager at CDP and a member of Bristol Advisory Committee on Climate Change, is presenting to the Citizen’s Assembly during its opening weekend.
Further information about Bristol’s Citizens’ Assembly can be found on bristol.citizenspace.com/ycof/
Bristol Advisory Committee on Climate Change 