Cllr Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council which is already judged as a four star authority - wants local people to help make it even better.
Gateshead residents are being given the power to influence everything from local elections to the running of social services as the council looks for more people to join its Citizens Panel.
People on the viewpoint panel are regularly given the chance to comment on a range of local services and offer ideas for making them better.
Gateshead Council is looking to recruit around 1,000 residents to the panel by Christmas and are hoping to attract people from right across the borough.
The panel members are sent questionnaires twice a year and are also invited to a series of focus groups where they can comment on a host of local and national issues affecting people in Gateshead.
The group will have regular input on a wide variety of issues, getting the chance to shape policy around things such as elections, local democracy, schools, social care and the environment.
They will also be consulted on the latest developments in Gateshead and get feedback on how their comments have helped the Council deliver services.
Cllr Mick Henry, Leader of Gateshead Council said:
"This is a great chance for residents of the borough to help shape local democracy. We want people right across Gateshead to have their say on what happens here and help us get the services and policies right.
"It's very important that people get an opportunity to comment on how the council operates and we want to get even more people involved. The Viewpoint panel will be both a great chance to get your views heard and for us to see how we are performing.
"We are really hoping to get more young people on the panel so that they can help shape the future of the borough."
The council is particularly keen to recruit members from under represented groups such as the disabled and people between 18 and 25 years of age.
New recruits are wanted from right across Gateshead but residents from the following areas are most needed:
· Birtley
· Bridges
· Chowdene
· Deckham
· Dunston and Teams
· High Fell
· Lamesley
· Lobley Hill and Bensham
· Windy Nook and Whitehills
To get involved in the panel contact Julie Fenwick (juliefenwick@gateshead.gov.uk) or Sarah Woods (sarahwoods@gateshead.gov.uk) or by telephone on 0191 433 2824.