Community Governance
Lokel is governed by the people who use it. Every resident, landlord, and contractor can participate in shaping how the community operates.
What governance means at Lokel
Governance is how we make decisions together. Instead of a distant company or landlord making rules, Lokel members vote on proposals that affect their housing and community.
This includes decisions about rent policies, maintenance budgets, new property acquisitions, community programs, and more. Every decision is recorded publicly, and anyone can see how votes were cast.
This is not a token gimmick or a techno-utopia promise. It is a practical system for collective decision-making, inspired by co-ops, credit unions, and municipal governance.
Who can vote
Voting rights are earned through participation, not purchased. Anyone who contributes to the Lokel community can become a voting member:
- Tenants: After 30 days of residency in a Lokel property, you can vote.
- Landlords: Once your property is active in the network, you can vote.
- Contractors: After completing 3 jobs through the network, you can vote.
Each member gets one vote per proposal. Voting power is not based on how much money you have or how many properties you own.
Proposal lifecycle
Every proposal follows the same transparent process.
Proposal
Member drafts and submits
Discussion
7-day comment period
Vote
3-day voting window
Execution
Stewards implement
Archive
Public record stored
Roles and responsibilities
Different roles have different permissions in the system.
| Role | Description | Can Vote | Can Propose | Can Execute | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident | Any verified tenant living in a Lokel-managed property | Yes | Yes | No | 30+ days residency |
| Landlord | Property owner with units in the Lokel network | Yes | Yes | No | Active property listing |
| Contractor | Verified contractor in the maintenance network | Yes | Yes | No | Completed 3+ jobs |
| Steward | Elected community member who implements decisions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Elected by members |
| Admin | Technical operator maintaining the platform | No | No | Limited | Appointed by stewards |
Get involved
See active proposals, review past decisions, or read the full governance charter.