Abstract:
Local governments use various approaches for communicating with citizens, such as televising meetings or setting up Web sites. Three boards of county commissioners tried a different approach; they held meetings away from the county seat. No agenda was set. The goal was to listen; to respond to concerns; and to attract people who are not usually active in civic and political affairs. Citizen-outreach efforts in Buncombe, Catawba, and Halifax Counties are profiled.