Public Hearing

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 or wherever you get your podcasts!

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 or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you want to hear on the show? Reach out at QueerForCities.com! 

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.

Available anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Citations:

1. Link to the Worcester Home Rule Charter
2. The Worcester Regional Research Bureau Breaking Down the Budget: City of Worcester for Fiscal Year 2025
3. Empowering Progress: Investing in Equity, Talent, and Culture — City of Worcester FY25 Annual Operating Budget
4. Worcester appoints permanent chief equity officer following long search (GBH)
5. City of Worcester Boards & Commissions

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 or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you want to hear on the show? Reach out at QueerForCities.com! 

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke<

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 or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you want to hear on the show? Reach out at QueerForCities.com! 

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.

Citations:

1. About our guest, Domenica Perrone
2. The Worcester Home Rule Charter
3. “The Annual Underfunding of Worcester City Council” (Tom Marino, June 4, 2024, This Week in Worcester)
4. UMass Chan Medical School’s Collaborative in Health Equity

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 or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you want to hear on the show? Reach out at QueerForCities.com! 

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.

Available anywhere you listen to podcasts.

This episode aired on 11/13/24 on WICN 90.5FM

In this first installment of our City Charter series, we examine Article 1 of Worcester’s Home Rule Charter, the foundational document that defines our city’s governance structure. This episode is all about making this often overlooked document accessible and engaging so we can better understand the rules guiding how our city is formed and functions.

We cover key concepts like the roles of the city manager, city council, and mayor, as well as terms like “fiscal,” “prudential,” and “municipal” affairs. Plus, I share some thoughts on why it's so important for residents to be familiar with these rules—especially as we think about making Worcester a more equitable, democratic, and participatory city.

Key Topics

• Introduction to the City Charter
  • What it is, why it matters, and how we’re going to explore it section by section.
• Land Acknowledgment and Invitation to Connect
  • Honoring the Nipmuc Nation and an invitation to connect for future conversations on land stewardship.
• The Structure of Worcester’s Government
  • Worcester’s unique city manager form of government and what it means to have a “weak” mayor system.
• Article 1 Highlights
  • Incorporation: Recognizes Worcester as a municipal corporation.
  • Distribution of Powers: Division between the executive (city manager) and legislative (city council) branches.
  • Powers of the City: Worcester’s broad authority to govern as long as it aligns with state and constitutional laws.
  • Definitions: Key terms like “emergency,” “full council,” and “general laws” to clarify government functions.
• Voting and Civic Participation
  • Why it’s essential to participate in local elections and get to know the officials who make key decisions for Worcester’s future.

Chapter Markers

• [00:00:00] – Introduction and Land Acknowledgment
• [00:02:40] – Overview of the City Charter
• [00:03:43] – Section 1.1-1.2: Incorporation and Title
• [00:04:41] – Section 1.3: Distribution of Powers
• [00:06:32] – Section 1.4-1.5: Powers and Construction of the City
• [00:09:48] – Section 1.6: Intergovernmental Relations
• [00:10:05] – Section 1.7: Definitions
• [00:18:41] – Voting in Worcester and Civic Engagement
• [00:23:10] – Preview of Upcoming Articles

Join me on this journey to break down the City Charter and better understand how our government operates. This episode is an essential primer for residents curious about civic engagement and how Worcester’s government functions on paper—versus how it plays out in practice.

SOURCES

1. Worcester Municipal Election 2023 Full Results (Tom Marino, November 7, 2023, This Week in Worcester)
2. City of Worcester’s Document Center

•••

Tune in to Public Hearing every Wednesday at 6 PM on WICN 90.5 FM or wherever you get your podcasts. What do you want to hear on the show? Reach out at QueerForCities.com! 

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.

Available anywhere you listen to podcasts.

This episode aired on 11/06/24 on WICN 90.5FM

In this episode of Public Hearing, I sit down with Julie Orozco, Executive Director of Abby’s House, a key Worcester organization supporting housing for women and children. We discuss the city’s housing challenges, reflect on our shared experiences in Leadership Worcester, and explore how art, diversity, and advocacy shape a vibrant, healthy community.

Key Topics:

• Intro to Julie Orozco and Abby's House
  • Julie’s journey to becoming the first Black executive director of Abby’s House, which supports women affected by domestic violence with housing and resources.
• Housing Crisis and Accessibility
  • Julie highlights the gap between local wages and rental costs, addressing systemic issues in Worcester's housing market that make it difficult for residents to afford housing.
• Economic Development and Commuter Strategy
  • We critique Worcester’s commuter-focused strategy, which has impacted housing affordability for long-term residents.
• Art, Community, and Placemaking
  • Drawing from our Leadership Worcester experience, we discuss the essential role of art and cultural spaces in creating safe, engaging communities.
• Advocacy and the Importance of Diverse Communities
  • Exploring how resilient, mixed-income neighborhoods support Worcester’s growth and the role of diversity in fostering a healthy community.
• Dinner Table Conversation Starter
  • As election season has been here, Julie prompts listeners to think about what exposure they may be missing when considering the health and diversity of their community—and how this may shape their views and votes.

Chapter Markers:

• [00:00:00] Introduction
  Overview of Public Hearing’s mission and today’s guest.
• [00:02:00] Meet Julie Orozco
  Julie’s background and her work-life balance reflections.
• [00:04:00] Abby's House and the Mission
  Mission, impact, and housing challenges at Abby’s House.
• [00:06:30] Housing Affordability in Worcester
  The disconnect between wages and housing market rates.
• [00:09:00] Worcester's Economic Development Strategy
  How commuter-focused growth impacts local affordability.
• [00:15:20] The Role of Art in Community Building
  Importance of accessible art and placemaking for community safety and engagement.
• [00:18:45] Need for Mixed-Income Neighborhoods
  The essential role of income diversity in sustainable communities.
• [00:25:40] Closing Thoughts and Call to Action
  Julie’s “dinner table” question about diversity, exposure, and voting.

This episode of Public Hearing is packed with honest insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Worcester, particularly around housing and affordability. I hope you join me on this journey as we unpack what it means to build a thriving, inclusive city.

Tune in every Wednesday at 6 PM on WICN 90.5 FM or wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s keep the conversation going on what we can do to support every student’s success in Worcester and beyond!

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.

Available anywhere you listen to podcasts.

This episode aired on 10/30/24 on WICN 90.5FM

Hey Worcester! In this episode of Public Hearing, I’m sitting down with Jennifer Davis Carey, Executive Director of the Worcester Education Collaborative (WEC), to break down Massachusetts Ballot Question 2: the possible removal of MCAS as a high school graduation requirement. Jen and I explore what it might mean in Mass if districts are left to set their own graduation standards and consider what we want a diploma to signify in a changing world.  From academic rigor and equity to the skills our graduates need, we dig into the implications of this ballot question and the future of education in Massachusetts.

Whether you’re a parent, a student, or a community member, this episode offers important insights into how we can create better pathways to success for all students.

Key Topics:

• Overview of Question 2 and the implications of what removing MCAS as a graduation requirement might mean in Massachusetts
• Balancing academic rigor with equity and access
• Alternative pathways for graduation and future educational standards
• The role of soft skills, project-based learning, and adapting education to today’s workforce needs
• What Worcester is doing to address educational equity, from MassCore to community-driven reading initiatives

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Exploring Mass Ballot Question 2 with Jennifer Davis Carey
• 02:07 – What Question 2 might mean for Massachusetts schools
• 04:36 – The future of academic rigor and graduation requirements
• 08:53 – Massachusetts MassCore standards and Worcester’s local commitment
• 13:12 – Worcester Education Collaborative’s stance and focus areas
• 15:28 – How soft skills and critical thinking shape student success
• 18:04 – The importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in education
• 20:38 – The rise of AI in education and potential impacts on learning
• 21:40 – Worcester Education Collaborative’s upcoming initiatives

Tune in every Wednesday at 6 PM on WICN 90.5 FM or wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s keep the conversation going on what we can do to support every student’s success in Worcester and beyond!

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.

Available anywhere you listen to podcasts.

This episode aired on 10/23/24 on WICN 90.5FM

Hey Worcester! Josh here back with another episode of Public Hearing. I’m back with Julie Bowditch, the Executive Director of the CASA Project Worcester County, to dive deeper into the incredible work they do supporting youth in foster care. We discuss what advocacy looks like on the ground, how amplifying the voices of young people can make a real difference, and the importance of bringing cultural humility into the work we do. We also explore how our systems often fall short, and what CASA is doing to bridge those gaps and bring dignity and joy to the lives of young people.

We’ll touch on how everything from toys to the legal system impacts the lives of kids in foster care, and why it’s so critical to involve them in decision-making. Whether you’re passionate about youth advocacy, community justice, or just want to learn more about what’s happening in Worcester, this episode is packed with insight.

Key Topics:

• CASA Project’s mission and how they support youth in foster care
• The importance of amplifying youth voices
• Addressing cultural humility and supporting the wants, not just the needs, of foster youth
• Navigating systemic challenges in the foster care and juvenile justice systems
• How community members can get involved with CASA and support local advocacy

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Recap of last episode and welcome back to Julie Bowditch
• 01:17 – Intersection of Public Hearing and Queer For Cities
• 02:42 – CASA Project overview: What they do and who they serve
• 04:20 – How CASA advocates for youth in the foster care system
• 10:04 – Challenges in the foster care system and systemic failures
• 12:44 – Cultural humility and supporting the wants of youth
• 16:10 – Amplifying youth voices and rethinking how we support them
• 19:34 – Tactical solutions: CASA’s impact on youth outcomes
• 24:05 – How to get involved with CASA and support local youth

Tune in every Wednesday at 6 PM on WICN 90.5 FM or wherever you get your podcasts, and let’s keep the conversation going!

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.

This episode aired on 10/23/24 on WICN 90.5FM

Hey Worcester! Public Hearing is back, and I’m excited to dive back into conversations that matter to our city. I’m your host, Joshua Croke, a queer and nonbinary designer, artist, and community advocate with a deep care for driving positive, equity-centered change. In this first return episode, I’m joined by my friend and community powerhouse, Julie Bowditch, Executive Director of the CASA Project Worcester County, as we talk about what’s been happening in Worcester and how we can all get involved—whether you’re just starting to pay attention or you’re already deep into local activism.

We’ll chat about everything from how to make sense of local elections, to staying engaged in our overwhelming political climate, to how relationships are the foundation of meaningful community work. Public Hearing is here to give you the inside scoop on what’s shaping life in Worcester in ways that are approachable, digestible, and—most importantly—relevant to you.

Tune in Wednesdays at 6 PM on WICN 90.5 FM or wherever you listen to podcasts. We’re here to keep you informed and part of the conversation!

Key Topics:

• Reintroducing Public Hearing and its mission
• The importance of local elections and civic engagement
• Challenges of staying informed and involved in community issues
• Building meaningful relationships to create positive change in Worcester
• What it means to be a part of Worcester’s growth and transformation

Chapter Markers:

• 00:00 – Welcome and reintroduction to Public Hearing
• 03:38 – Conversation with Julie Bowditch begins
• 07:00 – Discussing Worcester’s community and how to get involved
• 12:22 – Local elections and civic participation
• 20:00 – Reflections on recent election outcomes and what’s next for Worcester
• 25:35 – Wrapping up: The importance of relationships and what’s ahead

Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing

Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke, founder of Queer For Cities.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.

Available anywhere you listen to podcasts.