T’puram: An open platform for direct interaction between the mayor and citizens on the development and future urban planning of Thiruvananthapuram will be held on Saturday. The dialogue will be held at Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry hall in Kowdiar.The special citizen interaction is titled ‘Mayor Cares’.Mayor V V Rajesh will share insights from his recent visit to United States, where he closely observed governance systems and development models in different cities.The main focus will be on how lessons from American cities—such as urban transport, public space development, cleanliness and civic amenities, infrastructure growth, and city planning—can be adapted to support Thiruvananthapuram’s progress, said a statement.Along with reviewing the city’s current condition and development potential, the discussion also aims to hear citizens’ views and suggestions directly. Organizers believe such open conversations can strengthen public participation in urban governance and bring fresh ideas into development initiatives.Experiences from meetings with mayors and officials in various US cities, as well as visits to their civic administration systems, will also be shared. The conversation will further explore whether models in waste management, technology use, public facilities, and urban mobility can be implemented in ways suitable for Thiruvananthapuram.‘Mayor Cares‘ is being organized with the message: A better city begins with a conversation.
