While coffee shops, cafes, churches, sporting events, and other places provide locations for people in North Dakota to talk and listen, new forums are needed to provide further opportunities. The idea for more forums is not a new idea in North Dakota. The numbers of community meetings on specific issues seem to be growing. There have been town meetings on issues ranging from economic development to education and health care. In 2010, legislators value citizen participation in the legislative process.
Citizens feel that their views are considered seriously.
The creation of new public forums and exploring other ways for engaging people in productive public discussions are an ongoing part of the legislative process. While the legislative institution in North Dakota responds diligently to requests for information, it provides no visible, coordinated, and consistent effort to inform citizens about the legislative process and important issues. Citizens understand issues in terms of both their self-interest and the community's interest. They recognize their responsibility for the effectiveness of the legislature. The Legislative Assembly in 2010, on a continuing basis, explains its processes and policies to citizens.