In today’s golden age of technology, governments have fallen years, if not decades, behind the rest of society. We live at a time where you can order food, watch a movie, get a ride, or turn on your air conditioning—anywhere, anytime—from your smartphone. But basic interactions with local government still require a telephone call, email, or even in-person visit.

This is beginning to change and we are on the verge of a major technological shift in government services. Apps are now available in some cities for service requests and to identify infrastructure needs. Online payments are available for most services and online applications available for many types of permits.

The area that governments have been slowest to modernize and seem most reluctant to change is the public hearing. Local councils and boards still meet weekly in auditoriums across the country to discuss policy and make decisions. Government leaders invite, and even expect, public comment on issues but the primary, and often only, method of input is a microphone in front of the dais—a practice far more anachronistic than most of us chose to acknowledge.

Is the problem a failure to recognize that there is a problem? City Councils have become conditioned to think that a few dozen participants in a hearing represents major participation, not because it is anywhere near a true sampling of public opinion, but because it actually is a large number of people willing to give up their evening to offer comments. However, we no longer live in a world where we can legitimately limit participation to those who can spare hours of their time for the privilege.