This episode aired on 12/11/24 on WICN 90.5FM

Introduction:
This week on Public Hearing, we continue our journey through the Worcester City Charter, diving into the critical role of the city manager. As the unelected CEO of the city, the city manager oversees daily operations, manages city agencies, and wields significant influence over financial priorities and community representation. Join me, Joshua Croke, as we explore how this role shapes our city and what changes we might consider to promote equity and democracy.

Plus, a reflection on the closure of Redemption Rock Brewing and what it says about supporting small businesses in Worcester.

Key Topics Covered:

• A heartfelt reflection on the loss of Redemption Rock, a community-centered business, and what it reveals about the challenges small businesses face in creating equitable and sustainable operations.
• City Manager’s Appointment, Term, and Qualifications
• Power and Duties of the City Manager
• Appointments to Boards and Commissions
• Accountability and Transparency

Chapter Markers:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: Exploring Worcester’s City Charter and the City Manager’s role
• [00:01:42] Redemption Rock Brewing Closure
• [00:05:12] The Unelected CEO
• [00:11:17] Budgeting Power: Worcester’s FY25 budget and the city manager’s financial influence
• [00:18:14] Appointments and Boards
• [00:24:11] Evaluations and Accountability
• [00:26:35] Acting City Manager

As we continue to unpack the City Charter, it’s clear that the city manager’s role holds immense power in shaping Worcester’s policies and priorities. Whether it’s the budget, community appointments, or accountability, we must ask if our systems reflect our values of equity and inclusivity—or if it’s time for change.

Tune in, reflect, and take action! You can listen to Public Hearing every Wednesday at 6 PM on WICN 90.5 FM or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you want to hear on the show? Reach out at QueerForCities.com!

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.

Available anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Citations:

1. Link to the Worcester Home Rule Charter
2. The Worcester Regional Research Bureau Breaking Down the Budget: City of Worcester for Fiscal Year 2025
3. Empowering Progress: Investing in Equity, Talent, and Culture — City of Worcester FY25 Annual Operating Budget
4. Worcester appoints permanent chief equity officer following long search (GBH)
5. City of Worcester Boards & Commissions

This episode aired on 12/04/24 on WICN 90.5FM

Introduction: In this episode of Public Hearing, we continue our conversation with community engagement practitioner Domenica Perrone to explore the intersections of health equity, community engagement, and institutional accountability. Domenica brings her wealth of experience as the Director of Community Engagement and Outreach at UMass Chan Medical School’s Collaborative in Health Equity to discuss the challenges and opportunities in fostering meaningful relationships between institutions and historically marginalized communities.

Join us as we unpack how trust, transparency, and restorative practices can reshape our cities, heal past and present harms, and build a future rooted in equity.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What Community Engagement Really Means
  Domenica explains the depth and complexity of community engagement beyond traditional perceptions, emphasizing equity, reciprocity, and trust-building over transactional relationships.
• Historical and Present Harms in Community Relationships
  We discuss the importance of addressing both historical injustices and ongoing harm caused by institutions to rebuild trust with marginalized communities.
• The Role of Institutions in Advancing Equity
  Insights into UMass Chan’s Collaborative in Health Equity, which is building pathways for community-driven health solutions, workforce development, and inclusive research.
• The Balance Between Advocacy and Institutional Change
  How practitioners like Domenica navigate tensions between community accountability and institutional pushback while staying values-driven.
• Youth Engagement and Pipeline Development
  The critical role of creating spaces and opportunities for young people to step into leadership and health equity careers.
• A Call to Action for Listeners
  Domenica challenges us to find our role in community work and to embrace collective responsibility, whether as advocates, organizers, or bridge-builders.

Chapter Markers:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: Joshua introduces the episode and welcomes Domenica back.
• [00:02:03] What is Community Engagement?: Domenica reframes community engagement as a practice of trust-building and reciprocity.
• [00:04:45] Acknowledging Harm in Community Work: Addressing historical and present challenges between institutions and communities.
• [00:08:49] The Role of Institutional Commitment: Domenica shares UMass Chan’s approach to health equity.
• [00:13:25] Navigating Advocacy and Accountability: Balancing community trust with institutional change work.
• [00:21:56] Collaborative Goals: Building pipelines for youth and advancing health equity with community coalitions.
• [00:26:32] Dinner Table Conversation: Domenica’s call for intentional engagement and community-focused action.

Conclusion:
This episode emphasizes the need for intentionality and accountability in how we engage with and support our communities. As Domenica says, “Community is medicine.” By fostering relationships and addressing harm, we can collectively advance equity and create spaces for all voices to thrive.

Tune in, reflect, and take action! You can listen to Public Hearing every Wednesday at 6 PM on WICN 90.5 FM or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you want to hear on the show? Reach out at QueerForCities.com!

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke<

This episode aired on 11/27/24 on WICN 90.5FM

In this episode of Public Hearing, we wrap up Article Two of Worcester’s Home Rule Charter, exploring the structure and powers of the City Council. I’m joined by Domenica Perrone, a passionate community engagement practitioner and advocate for health equity, who shares her insights on Worcester’s governance and the challenges facing our city. Together, we examine how the Charter influences democracy, representation, and equity in local government. I also go on a rant about funding allocation to the City Council, which is a must-listen.

Key Topics:

• City Council Structure
  • How at-large and district council seats are elected.
  • The unique Worcester system where at-large candidates are also automatically in the running for mayor.
• Emergency Ordinances and Decision-Making
  • The process for passing emergency ordinances and safeguarding public interests.
  • Limitations on emergency measures related to franchises and special privileges.
• Vacancy Filling Process
  • How council vacancies are filled through past election results and the implications for representation.
• Funding Disparities in City Government
  • Comparing the limited resources of the City Council to the City Manager’s office.
  • How these disparities affect democratic checks and balances.
• Barriers to Representation
  • Challenges of part-time council roles and underfunded constituent services.
  • The need for trust-building and transparency in public participation.
• Recommendations for Reform
  • Transitioning to full-time council roles with equitable salaries.
  • Expanding staff support and introducing participatory budgeting.
  • Exploring a strong mayor system and ranked-choice voting to enhance representation and equity.

Chapter Markers:

• [00:00:00] – Introduction
  Setting the stage for Article Two and welcoming guest Domenica Perrone.
• [00:03:08] – Emergency Ordinances
• [00:05:35] – General Measures and Public Notice
  The publication requirements for ordinances and ensuring public accessibility.
• [00:07:54] – Vacancy Filling Process
  How council and mayoral vacancies are addressed in Worcester.
• [00:13:22] – Funding Disparities and Council Capacity
  Examining how budget inequities impact representation and council efficacy.
• [00:19:20] – Recommendations for Reform
  Concrete steps to address funding, representation, and governance challenges.

Tune in to Public Hearing every Wednesday at 6 PM on WICN 90.5 FM or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you want to hear on the show? Reach out at QueerForCities.com!

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.

Citations:

1. About our guest, Domenica Perrone
2. The Worcester Home Rule Charter
3. “The Annual Underfunding of Worcester City Council” (Tom Marino, June 4, 2024, This Week in Worcester)
4. UMass Chan Medical School’s Collaborative in Health Equity