There are many barriers to citizen participation.  Some residents are intimidated by public speaking, while others are uneasy about publicly stating their opinion, uncomfortable confronting neighbors with opposing views, or too busy to attend evening meetings.   When most residents do not participate, it can be hard to know what a community thinks.

In November  2008, a group of Alliance for Innovation partners launched  'Open City Hall' – an online  project designed to lower barriers that prevent residents from participating in community decisions.   This case study will present project results from Decatur Georgia, Montgomery Ohio and Palo Alto California, in which residents were provided the opportunity for online input into various decision processes including city council agenda items, planning commission recommendations and prioritizing city services.