The Next L.A. / Reinventing Our Future : Governing : IDEA FILE: Honoring Good Deeds

How It Works: Institute a monthly luncheon hosted by the mayor. Invite a dozen or 20 people who have given something to the community: someone who has written an interesting and workable idea for improving trash service, a long-time volunteer at animal shelters, local heroes who have done unsung good deeds. City Council members could be vigilant for people in their districts to nominate for the honors. This would be a way to express thanks for civic participation and thereby encourage it.

Benefits: It would enrich the city; when civic-mindedness is rewarded, it becomes more popular.

Short-Term or Long-Term Impact?: Both.

Supporters: Council members would appreciate the chance to reward their constituents more tangibly but without big expenditure of public money. Charitable and public service groups would be glad to see their volunteers recognized.

Opponents: Few would be critical. Perhaps those challenging incumbents in elections would object to the favors the office-holders can hand out.

The Costs: Very little. We’re not talking caviar here. Maybe the honorees would want their picture taken with the mayor, and the city would have to validate their parking. The city already has a protocol office that could surely handle something like this, including scheduling and invitations.

REALITY CHECK: Piece of cake, with the will to get it up and running.