Public Hearing
Public Hearing is a show about Worcester, MA, the 2nd largest city in New England, and it’s time we start acting like it! Join creator and host, Joshua Croke (Queer For Cities, Love Your Labels), as they have interesting and timely conversations about issues that impact our community.
Airs on WICN 90.5FM, Worcester’s only NPR affiliate station, on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm.
Learn more and follow at QueerForCities.com/PublicHearing
Created & Hosted by Joshua Croke.
Our Audio Producer is Giuliano D'Orazio.
Available anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Public Hearing
Article 4: Worcester’s School Committee & Accountability in Local Government
This episode aired on 1/22/25 on WICN 90.5FM
In this episode of Public Hearing, host Joshua Croke continues our deep dive into Worcester’s city charter, focusing on Article 4: The School Committee. Joshua breaks down the recent structural changes to the school committee, including the shift to a hybrid election system with district and at-large representation, the committee’s powers and duties, and the role of city infrastructure in education. They also highlight the ongoing challenges of Worcester’s aging school buildings and the urgent need for sustainable funding and advocacy.
But governance isn't just about policies—it's about people. In the second half of the episode, Joshua discusses recent allegations of discrimination within Worcester’s City Council, offering a perspective on accountability, systemic bias, and the importance of inclusive leadership. They share insights from their Worcester Business Journal piece, calling for concrete action to ensure city leadership upholds values of equity, transparency, and accountability.
As Worcester moves forward, how can we push for a more representative and just local government? Tune in to learn how the city’s charter, leadership, and community advocacy shape the future of Worcester.
💡 Listen now at queerforcities.com or wherever you get your podcasts!
