Township officials announced the launch of a new “listening tour” this week aimed at gathering resident feedback on a range of municipal issues, while simultaneously assuring the public that no policy changes are expected to result from the effort.
The tour, which will consist of a series of informal community meetings held over the next several months, was described by officials as an opportunity to “hear directly from residents” and “better understand community concerns.”
“This is about listening,” said Township Manager Carol Hensley. “Not reacting.”
Hensley emphasized that the township remains confident in its current direction.
“We just want to make sure people feel heard,” she said.
A Tour Is Announced
The listening tour was unveiled during a regularly scheduled Board of Supervisors meeting, where officials presented a slide titled Community Engagement Initiative.
The slide outlined dates, locations, and a brief description of the format.
According to the presentation, meetings will be held in various township facilities and will feature open-ended discussion rather than formal agendas.
“We want this to feel conversational,” said Supervisor Mark Ellison. “Not like a meeting.”
Ellison added that the sessions would not include votes, motions, or formal decision-making.
“This isn’t about changing policy,” he said. “It’s about listening.”
Residents Seek Clarity
Several residents attending the announcement asked how feedback from the listening tour would be used.
Hensley said staff would compile notes and identify “themes.”
“These themes help us understand sentiment,” she said.
Asked whether those themes would inform future decisions, Hensley said they would be “considered.”
Supervisor Linda Park clarified that consideration does not imply action.
“We have a strategic plan,” Park said. “This won’t override that.”
A Familiar Refrain
The township has conducted similar engagement efforts in the past, including a community survey and a series of focus groups held three years ago.
Residents say those efforts produced limited results.
“We filled out surveys,” said local resident Brian McKay. “Nothing changed.”
McKay said he was skeptical of the new tour.
“It feels like they’re doing this so they can say they did it,” he said.
Officials Emphasize Process
Township officials stressed that the listening tour demonstrates transparency and openness.
“People want to be heard,” said Ellison. “This gives them that.”
Ellison said the township had received criticism for being out of touch.
“We take that seriously,” he said. “Which is why we’re listening.”
When asked whether officials would attend the sessions with an open mind, Ellison said they would attend with an open notebook.
“We’re not going in defensive,” he said. “We’re going in receptive.”
Listening, Defined Narrowly
According to materials distributed by the township, each session will begin with a brief overview of current initiatives, followed by resident comments.
Officials said they would not respond directly to concerns raised during the sessions.
“This isn’t a debate,” Hensley said. “It’s a listening exercise.”
Residents will be asked to limit comments to two minutes to ensure everyone has a chance to speak.
No follow-up questions will be permitted.
Experts Weigh In
Public engagement experts say listening tours can be effective when paired with clear mechanisms for action.
“When feedback disappears into a void, people notice,” said Dr. Allison Crane, a specialist in civic participation.
Crane said assurance that nothing will change can undermine the purpose of engagement.
“Listening without responsiveness can feel hollow,” she said.
Asked whether such efforts can backfire, Crane said they can.
“If people feel their input is symbolic rather than substantive, trust erodes further,” she said.
Residents Prepare to Speak
Despite skepticism, some residents say they plan to attend the sessions.
“I’ll go,” said McKay. “I just don’t expect anything.”
Another resident said attending felt like an obligation.
“If you don’t show up, they say nobody cares,” she said. “If you do, they still do what they want.”
Several residents said they were unsure what kind of feedback would be welcome.
“Are we supposed to complain?” one asked. “Or just share feelings?”
Township officials said all perspectives were welcome.
“As long as they’re respectful,” Hensley said.
Documentation, Promised
After the tour concludes, township staff will prepare a summary report outlining key themes and general observations.
The report will be presented to the Board of Supervisors at a future meeting.
It will not include recommendations.
“This is informational,” said Park. “Not directive.”
Asked whether the report would be made public, Park said portions would be shared.
“We want to be transparent,” she said.
Officials Express Optimism
Township leadership expressed confidence that the listening tour would improve relationships with residents.
“This is about rebuilding trust,” said Ellison.
Asked how trust would be rebuilt if no changes resulted, Ellison said trust comes from communication.
“People want to know we’re listening,” he said. “Now they will.”
The First Stop
The first listening session is scheduled for next Thursday at the community center.
Flyers advertising the event describe it as “an opportunity to share your voice.”
Residents say they’ll see what happens.
“I’ll tell them what I think,” said McKay. “I just don’t expect them to care.”
Editor’s Note
Township officials did not specify how feedback collected during the listening tour would influence future decisions. Requests for clarification regarding accountability measures were declined.
