Story of Civic Dashboard

Location: Toronto, Canada

A familiar frustration simmers among residents who care about their city. They know local government exists. They know decisions are being made about transit, housing, parks, and neighborhoods. But when they want to understand what's happening or participate in shaping those decisions, they encounter something like a locked door with no clear instructions for entry.

This frustration became the starting point for Civic Dashboard, a volunteer initiative designed to make Toronto's local democracy more navigable for ordinary residents. What makes their story valuable extends beyond the platform itself. In the process of building a tool to help Torontonians understand their government, the team encountered and solved problems that nearly every grassroots initiative faces. Their experience offers a practical roadmap for community-led projects trying to move from good intentions to sustained impact.