FAQs

A civic lottery gives Kingston residents a fair opportunity to participate in the Charter Review process and helps create a Commission that reflects the community's diversity.

The lottery complements the traditional appointment process. Of the Commission’s 18 members, 12 are selected through the civic lottery, 3 are appointed by the Mayor, and 3 by the Common Council. 

The process is designed to bring together residents with a range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Rather than relying solely on people already involved in local government or known to public officials, the process gave residents across Kingston the opportunity to express interest in serving.

To give residents across Kingston an opportunity to participate, the city mailed more than 11,000 postcards to households throughout the city. The city also promoted the opportunity through communications and social media advertising.

Residents were invited to complete an online survey to indicate whether they were interested in serving on the Charter Review Commission. By the close of the intake period, 227 residents had expressed interest in serving.

The National Civic League administered the lottery using demographic criteria informed by Kingston census data and processed through the Panelot platform. The selection considered gender, age, race, Common Council district, geographic area within Kingston (Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown), and housing status.

The process was designed to select a group that broadly reflects the Kingston community across these characteristics while guaranteeing every applicant a chance for selection.

The National Civic League administered the civic lottery independently. While the city supported outreach and communications about the opportunity, neither city officials nor staff selected the residents chosen by the lottery.

Kingston residents have had the opportunity to provide input through a public survey on local governance and the city’s charter. The feedback will inform the Charter Review Commission’s work as it considers possible changes to Kingston’s charter.

As the Charter Review Commission’s work continues, residents will have additional opportunities to participate and provide input. This page will post updates on upcoming engagement opportunities, Commission meetings, and ways to get involved. 

Register to follow the project for more information on how to get involved.