Observing Democracy in Action: Connecticut’s Citizens’ Assembly

by Elaine Mintz, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Advancement

During the last weekend in August, I had the opportunity to observe the fourth session of Connecticut’s Citizens’ Assembly on Property Taxes in New Haven. Fairfield County’s Community Foundation is proud to support this effort, which brings together residents from across Connecticut to learn about an issue, deliberate together, and contribute to public decision-making.

The Assembly, which began meeting in July, is convening for eight sessions in total. One hundred Connecticut residents were randomly selected to reflect the state’s diverse communities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The first three sessions focused on learning, as participants heard from experts, reviewed information, and deepened their understanding of Connecticut’s property tax system before beginning deliberations.

A Different Approach to Public Decision-Making

Citizens’ assemblies have been used in other countries to help address complex public policy questions. In Ireland, citizens’ assemblies helped inform national conversations on issues including marriage equality and abortion. In France, a citizens’ convention developed recommendations on climate policy.

While Connecticut’s assembly is focused on a different issue, it reflects the same core idea: that everyday residents, when they have time, information, and space to deliberate, can make meaningful contributions to public decision-making.

The session at the Omni Hotel in New Haven began with a reminder of the commitments participants had made to one another. At a time when civic discourse often feels polarized, it was a meaningful way to begin the day.

Learning From Leaders Across the Political Spectrum

A highlight of the morning was a panel discussion featuring current and former state leaders from across the political spectrum, including Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, former Senate Minority Leader John McKinney, House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, and House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora.

Despite their differing perspectives, the panelists consistently emphasized the importance of relationships, respect, and communication. They shared examples of bipartisan collaboration on major issues, reflected on the realities of representing local communities while making statewide policy, and offered advice on navigating disagreement while continuing to work together.

Assembly members asked thoughtful questions throughout the session. They pressed elected officials on why meaningful change can be difficult, how policymakers balance local and statewide interests, and what would make it harder for lawmakers to dismiss the assembly’s eventual recommendations. The response was clear: grassroots advocacy matters, and individual voices can make a difference.

Taking the Responsibility Seriously

What impressed me most was the seriousness with which participants approached their responsibility. They represented a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, yet everyone seemed committed to learning, listening, and wrestling with complex issues that affect communities across Connecticut.

Building Our Capacity to Solve Problems Together

At Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, we believe strong communities depend on engaged residents and opportunities for people to come together across different perspectives. The Citizens’ Assembly is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people can learn, engage with one another, and work through challenging issues thoughtfully.

As the assembly moves toward its final recommendations, I left feeling encouraged by the process itself. At a time when many people are looking for ways to bridge differences and work through challenges together, it was heartening to see Connecticut residents doing exactly that.

At the Community Foundation, one of our most important roles is helping our community become better at solving problems together. By creating opportunities for residents to engage in civic life, learn from one another, and have a voice in shaping our shared future, the Citizens’ Assembly is putting that idea into practice. We are proud to support this important work.