Lincoln council adopts collaborative governance guidelines; signing proposed as voluntary

The City Council adopted a set of 12 guidelines intended to promote effective collaborative governance, including expectations for preparation, civility, articulating dissent and respecting staff roles.

A councilmember who led the process summarized the facilitation and outreach that produced the document and read the 12 principles in the packet, which included items such as "strive to make decisions in the best interest of the community," "create an atmosphere of respect and civility," and "articulate dissenting opinions for the benefit of the council and the community." The presenter said the facilitator who worked with the council was available online and that staff would work to adapt wording to make the guidance applicable across boards and commissions.

Council members discussed whether newly elected officials should sign the guidelines as a symbolic gesture. The presenter said signing would be voluntary and not an oath of office, and suggested adding language to make it clear that the document is not legally binding. Several council members supported voluntary signing as a signal of commitment to professional standards. Members also asked staff to extend the presentation and materials to commissions and to revisit the guidelines annually.

Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2024-066 adopting the final guidelines and report. Staff said they will present the guidelines to commissions and incorporate suggested syntax edits for applicability to boards and commissions.