The City of Lille has been working to improve the ways residents can take part in local decision-making through its citizen participation forum. In October, the city focused on increasing involvement, especially in areas where fewer people have traditionally participated in elections. On October 2, around thirty residents from the Lille-Sud neighborhood gathered at a public meeting in the "La Fabrique du Sud" room to discuss how they could better engage with local governance. This neighborhood has had a notably high rate of electoral abstention, with 59.4% of voters not participating in the first round of recent municipal elections. It has also historically seen higher rates of non-participation compared to other areas in Lille. Emmanuel Quinchez, the deputy for participatory democracy, stressed the need for the city’s engagement efforts to reflect the full diversity of Lille’s population. He noted that not everyone automatically gets involved in local affairs, and that new tools for participation must first give people a chance to be heard. The meeting brought together individuals from various backgrounds, including students, workers, activists, parents, and retirees, who introduced themselves and seemed to agree on initial steps for greater involvement. The discussions at the meeting aimed to identify practical ways for residents to contribute to local decisions, ensuring that all voices are included. The city's efforts are part of a broader initiative to make governance more inclusive and representative. By engaging with residents directly, the city hopes to build trust and encourage more active participation in the future. These consultations are an ongoing process, with the city planning to continue exploring ways to improve citizen involvement. The feedback from events like the Lille-Sud meeting will be used to shape new strategies and tools that make it easier for people to take part in shaping their community.