Submitted Comment Name Max Hawkins Affiliation N/A Subject Citizens Assemblies Message I strongly recommend that CARB consider incorporating the innovative approach of a citizen's assembly into its Community Engagement Model. Citizen's assemblies, widely used in Europe for complex issues like climate change and biodiversity loss, have proven highly successful in engaging diverse communities, fostering informed deliberation, and generating policy recommendations with broad legitimacy and public support. Randomly selected participants from across California would ensure all voices are heard, not just those of special interest groups or vocal minorities. This diverse body would reflect the real concerns and priorities of Californians regarding air quality. I recently observed a citizen's assembly in the Netherlands that convinced me this is a transformative approach to public engagement. Witnessing firsthand how randomly selected, ordinary citizens engaged in deep learning, respectful dialogue, and ultimately reached consensus on complex environmental issues was truly inspiring. California, while lauded for its environmental consciousness, lags behind Europe in utilizing this powerful tool. We grapple with limited public engagement, polarized debates, and often feel disconnected from policy decisions. Citizen's assemblies offer a solution. Let's not fall behind the curve. California can be a pioneer in adopting this proven model. This is not a pipe dream; it's already happening in Europe and across the world. Let's bring this revolutionary approach to California and pave the way for a future where public input truly shapes our environmental policies, driving meaningful change for all. File Upload (i.e., Attachments): N/A
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