Running online resident participation
For a wide reach, an honest conversation and residents who feel seen and heard.
An active format
Resident participation gets better as the range of participants widens. We make sure everyone can join easily.
Participation only becomes valuable when residents feel their voice counts. We design online resident participation in which people genuinely have their say — from a neighbourhood conversation to a city-wide consultation.
Reaching more people
Online participation makes taking part easier for residents who wouldn't come to a hall. That can bring in more perspectives and a broader picture.
Conversations with clear boundaries
Residents want to know what they can influence. We help sharpen the question, the programme and the way results are reported back.
Capturing input visibly
Digital participation makes it possible to gather responses, ideas and concerns as they come, cluster them and share them in a recognisable form.
In practice
Three examples. Years of experience.
MunicipalityNeighbourhood conversations about art in the area
A municipality wants to involve residents online in a question about public space. We design a virtual tour, small rounds of conversation, a plenary report back and a clear digital record.
Housing associationGiving tenants a say in the service
For a housing association we build an online participation session in which residents share their experiences and set out their priorities. The outcomes can be taken forward straight away.
City-wide consultationGathering many perspectives clearly
In a larger programme we help split the group into thematic conversations. That keeps it personal while the range of input stays broad.
Preparation is everything
Who it's for
Municipalities, provinces, housing associations, developers
Group size
10-500 participants
What a successful running online resident participation needs.
01
Start with a question
Consultation needs room for people to weigh in. What is the question actually on the table?
02
Accessibility first
Participants have to be able to get in easily and understand what is being asked of them. Clear instructions and live support make a great deal of difference.
03
Transparency about influence
Participation only works when there's genuinely something to choose. Be clear beforehand about what can and can't be influenced.
Frequently asked questions
Do residents really take part online?
Yes. Online participation often reaches people who wouldn't come to a gathering in person. That tends to make online resident participation more representative.
How many residents can take part?
From 10 to well over 500 participants.
How do you report the results back?
We make sure input is gathered visibly, summarised and shared.
Is it accessible to residents who are less confident digitally?
We design for that deliberately. On top of that we guide participants inside the meeting itself, which makes a great deal of difference for anyone who is mainly unsure.
Which participation tools do you use?
We often combine conversations, voting with your feet, polls, formal votes and digital canvases.
What does an online participation programme cost?
That depends on the scale of the programme and the support you want. Do get in touch for a no-obligation quote.
More answers?Fewer answers
How do you increase the turnout?
By making taking part easy.
Does this work alongside gatherings in person?
Yes. Organisations often combine online and physical participation.
How do you process all the input?
Digital participation makes it possible to capture input as it happens.
Can you provide the moderation?
Yes. Our facilitators guide the conversations, but you can supply a moderator yourself as well. We then make sure they're fully prepared on the technical side.
Can you support hybrid participation?
Yes. There we pay extra attention to everyone being able to take part on equal terms.
Related event formats
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Running an online focus group
Deep conversations in small groups, even with a large group. Online.
Running an online World Café
Your AGM: formally watertight, well structured and still lively.
Running an online AGM
Next step
Online, but not as you know it.
Orientation
See what we do
From strategy day to online team building — see which event formats fit what you're after.
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