How would you improve the way residents and the City engage in local governance?

Disclosure: 'm the Community Manager of ACTion Alexandria

The City of Alexandria makes great efforts to engage residents in both traditional and new ways (email/text, video, social media, in public meetings and even through online comment opportunities), but in the past year, a frequent refrain can be heard from some residents who feel they aren't being listened to--regardless of these efforts. I think this points to a possible lack of meaningful civic engagment by residents and the City government, not a lack of effort.

How would you as a City Council member go about increasing the level of civic engagement in the City of Alexandria? Are there changes that can be made to the way the City and residents work together to make the governance process more meaningful for everyone?