Article Two Wrapped: Power, Representation, and Equity with Domenica Perrone

Article 4: Worcester’s School Committee & Accountability in Local Government

This episode aired on 1/22/25 on WICN 90.5FM In this episode of Public Hearing, host Joshua Croke continues our deep dive into Worcester’s city charter, focusing on Article 4: The School Committee. Joshua breaks down the recent structural changes to the school committee, including the shift to a hybrid election system with district and at-large representation, the committee’s powers and duties, and the role of city infrastructure in education. They also highlight the ongoing challenges of Worcester’s aging school buildings and the urgent need for sustainable funding and advocacy. But governance isn't just about policies—it's about people. In the second half of the episode, Joshua discusses recent allegations of discrimination within Worcester’s City Council, offering a perspective on accountability, systemic bias, and the importance of inclusive leadership. They share insights from their Worcester Business Journal piece, calling for concrete action to ensure city leadership upholds values of equity, transparency, and accountability. As Worcester moves forward, how can we push for a more representative and just local government? Tune in to learn how the city’s charter, leadership, and community advocacy shape the future of Worcester. 💡 Listen now at queerforcities.com [https://queerforcities.com] or wherever you get your podcasts!

Article 3: The City Manager's Role in Worcester’s Governance

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 [https://wicn.org/] or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you want to hear on the show? Reach out at QueerForCities.com [http://queerforcities.com]!  Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing [http://queerforcities.com/PublicHearing] Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke [https://www.joshuacroke.com/]. Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio [https://musicbygiuliano.com/]. Available anywhere you listen to podcasts. Citations: 1. Link to the Worcester Home Rule Charter [https://www.worcesterma.gov/uploads/86/6c/866cc0ec824220cec20946fe73477fe9/city-charter.pdf] 2. The Worcester Regional Research Bureau Breaking Down the Budget: City of Worcester for Fiscal Year 2025 [https://www.wrrb.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Breaking-Down-the-Budget-FY25-Final.pdf] 3. Empowering Progress: Investing in Equity, Talent, and Culture — City of Worcester FY25 Annual Operating Budget [https://www.worcesterma.gov/uploads/bc/41/bc416940ab1b7b760a365f988ae6ccde/budget-fy25.pdf] 4. Worcester appoints permanent chief equity officer following long search (GBH) [https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2024-10-09/worcester-appoints-permanent-chief-equity-officer-following-long-search] 5. City of Worcester Boards & Commissions [https://www.worcesterma.gov/boards-commissions]

Community is Medicine: Public Health, Engagement, and Trust-Building with Domenica Perrone

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 [https://wicn.org/] or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you want to hear on the show? Reach out at QueerForCities.com [http://queerforcities.com]!  Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing [http://queerforcities.com/PublicHearing] Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke< [https://www.joshuacroke.com/]

Article Two Wrapped: Power, Representation, and Equity with Domenica Perrone

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 [https://wicn.org/] or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you want to hear on the show? Reach out at QueerForCities.com [http://queerforcities.com]!  Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing [http://queerforcities.com/PublicHearing] Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke [https://www.joshuacroke.com/]. Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio [https://musicbygiuliano.com/]. Citations: 1. About our guest, Domenica Perrone [https://www.umassmed.edu/che/Team-members/Domenica-Perrone/] 2. The Worcester Home Rule Charter [https://www.worcesterma.gov/uploads/86/6c/866cc0ec824220cec20946fe73477fe9/city-charter.pdf] 3. “The Annual Underfunding of Worcester City Council” (Tom Marino, June 4, 2024, This Week in Worcester) [https://thisweekinworcester.com/annual-underfunding-worcester-city-council/] 4. UMass Chan Medical School’s Collaborative in Health Equity [https://www.umassmed.edu/che/]

Article Two of the Charter: City Council with Joshua Croke

This episode aired on 11/20/24 on WICN 90.5FM In this second installment of our City Charter series, we dive into Article 2 of Worcester’s Home Rule Charter, which outlines the structure and function of the City Council. This episode focuses on breaking down the roles, powers, and procedures of Worcester’s legislative branch and examining what changes might foster a more equitable and participatory local government. We explore how the City Council is structured, the process for electing the mayor and vice-chair, the limits on council power, and the responsibilities of key officers elected by the council. Along the way, I hope to provide context for why understanding these governance details matters—especially for shaping the future of Worcester's democracy. Key Topics * Reflections Post-Election: Thoughts on navigating our collective challenges and the importance of local community. * Quick Recap of Article One: Overview of Worcester’s governance structure and powers from the first episode. * Composition of the City Council: Explaining the mix of district and at-large councilors and their legislative powers. * Selection of the Mayor and Vice-Chair: How Worcester’s unique process ties mayoral and council elections, and what alternative models could look like. * Prohibitions on Council Power: Understanding the boundaries between council oversight and city manager operations. * Salaries and Budgets: Highlighting the structural inequities in funding for council operations versus city manager resources. * Key Officers Elected by the Council: The city clerk, city auditor, and the now-removed citizen complaints officer. * Preview of Next Episode: A dive into council salaries and their implications for equity and democratic representation. Chapter Markers * [00:00:00] – Introduction and Land Acknowledgment * [00:01:46] – Reflecting on Post-Election Challenges * [00:02:30] – Overview of Article Two: City Council * [00:04:10] – Section 2-1: Composition and Representation * [00:05:08] – Section 2-1: Term of Office and Eligibility * [00:06:17] – Section 2-2: Selection of the Mayor and Vice-Chair * [00:09:25] – Recommendations for Mayoral Elections and Equity * [00:14:29] – Section 2-3: Prohibitions on Council Influence * [00:15:59] – Section 2-4: Council Salaries and Financial Equity * [00:16:42] – Section 2-5: General Powers of the Council * [00:17:35] – Section 2-6: Quorum, Procedures, and Voting Rules * [00:22:25] – Section 2-7: Access to Information * [00:23:13] – Section 2-8: Officers Elected by the Council * [00:25:32] – Preview of Council Salaries Discussion Join me as we get below the surface of the charter and explore how it shapes our city’s leadership and priorities. Whether you're new to local governance or a charter aficionado, there’s something here for everyone curious about building a stronger, more inclusive Worcester. Tune in to Public Hearing every Wednesday at 6 PM on WICN 90.5 FM [https://wicn.org/] or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you want to hear on the show? Reach out at QueerForCities.com [http://queerforcities.com]!  Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing [http://queerforcities.com/PublicHearing] Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke [https://www.joshuacroke.com/]. Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio [https://musicbygiuliano.com/]. Available anywhere you listen to podcasts.