Engaging the public for public good.

Our Work

WyCo Housing Summits

Consensus KC facilitated the first KCK Housing Summit in 2019, which included a keynote speaker, World Cafe model conversation,...

Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference, 2019

Consensus KC led workshops on civil discourse for 200 college student leaders at their national conference in Kansas City...

Weaving Community Chats, 2020

When the world went virtual in March 2020, Consensus KC reacted by organizing weekly video chats open to the...

Community Conversation on Health, 2014

Almost 300 uninsured and underserved citizens helped the Health Care Foundation and United Way set goals for the next decade.

MacNeil/Lehrer Productions “By the People,” 2004-2007

Four nationwide day-of-deliberation events of about 100 persons each, co-sponsored locally with KCPT Public Television.

WCCLS Funding & Governance: A platform for future action.

Where is the sweet spot when it comes to funding and governing libraries? What structure would balance the interests...

Safe Neighborhoods Task Force, 1995

This study examined the people, places and policies that affect neighborhoods. It recommended changes, such as defined roles and...

School Governance Task Force, 2001

This study focused on the role of school boards in improving student learning, and recommends changes in how boards...

“Making Book: Gambling on the future of our libraries”, 2004

Released in 2004, “Making Book: Gambling on the future of our libraries” has received national attention for its analysis...

Washington State Library, 2006

We worked with the Washington State Library to conduct four, one-day future search conferences around the state. They served...

Monroe County Public Library, 2012

The library faced rapid changes in its operating environment. Its leaders wanted robust public engagement and to truly focus...

Johnson County Citizen Engagement: Engaging residents in tough budget choices, 2012

Consensus asked participants in 12 focus groups to make tough choices about budget cuts. The focus groups supplemented an...

Kansas City Kansas Community College Community Listening Project

Focus groups with students and stakeholders showed the role people want the college to play. It also identified specific...

Original discussion guides

Consensus has developed guides for clients such as the Johnson County Library, Mid-Continent Public Library and Science Inc. Examples: A...

Washington County Cooperative Library Services, 2008

The 14-library cooperative considered new models for delivering services. Public meetings showed what tradeoffs local residents would accept.

Libraries Together in Scott County, Iowa, 2005

The ten-month study included public forums on changes in library services that local residents would and wouldn’t support.

Libraries Together in Scott County

Libraries Together in Scott County worked with four libraries and their patrons to consider how best to provide library services....

Creating Community Solutions – KC

Is part of a national effort to bring mental illness out of the shadows and develop innovative, community-based solutions.

2007 Pandemic Flu Preparedness Report

In 2007, Consensus produced a report on Pandemic Flu in collaboration with the Mid-America Regional Council and local health...