Robert Hughes

Background

About Robert Hughes

Leaders want to make the best decisions but there is no objective measure for the quality of public policy decisions. This is because policy issues are often complex, wicked problems with no one perfect solution. So if there are no objective measures for the quality of public policy decisions, how can leaders be sure that they are making the best decisions? The answer is by using the best policy-making process. This is what I came to realize during my 22 year career as a municipal CAO, during which I introduced a number of best practices into the policy-making process, including strategic performance management, community engagement, sustainability and diversity and inclusion. Driven by this recognition, I embarked on a mission—to empower leaders to make the best public policy decisions and to collaborate effectively on policy decisions for common issues. The latter is particularly important in the 21st century where the impact of the collective activity of humanity has many unwanted consequences, including existential threats like climate change and war, which are beyond the ability of jurisdictions to solve on their own. Enter CIVONUS Inc, born from the crucible of innovation during my tenure as CAO. More than a mere tool, CIVONUS is a catalyst for change, fostering better policy decisions and harnessing the most potent resource available to them - the wisdom and creativity of their citizens, experts, staff and other stakeholders. The CIVONUS policy making process, delivered via a digital platform to make it widely accessible, has been carefully designed to be open and transparent, consensus-based, sustainable, equitable, inclusive, respectful, evidence-informed, and deeply engaging. Using CIVONUS enables leaders, and those who advise them, to be confident that they are making the best public policy decisions. It also enables leaders to work with leaders in other jurisdictions to harmonize policy decisions for common issues. I envision a world where leaders make well though out, informed policy decisions with confidence; where every voice matters, and every decision serves the collective welfare. I invite leaders and citizens alike to embark on this journey. Let's reimagine policy-making together, and create the best world for future generations.