Transform Awards? Let’s Talk About What’s Actually Been Transformed

I came across a Nextdoor post promoting the Transform Award Finalist Livestream—a celebration of organizations and leaders “shaping the future” and “setting the standard for excellence and innovation,” with winners revealed at Transform 2026.

It made me pause.

Does this award actually mean something—especially in the context of Nextdoor?

Because when I look closer, Nextdoor has transformed… just not in the way the copy suggests.

Here’s what I see as the real transformation:

• Neighbors pitted against neighbors.
  Scanning my local feed—and posts on X (formerly Twitter)—I see suspensions, removals, and more division than connection.

• Leaders blocking users and shareholders.
  How does blocking engagement align with a mission centered on connection?

• Metrics hidden, not shared.
  I’ve repeatedly asked—politely—about suspended-user counts and how suspensions affect reach. These are metrics advertisers and shareholders deserve. Instead, they’re gated.

• Predictable silence.
  From the Nextdoor playbook: after a burst of posts, expect quiet. Based on recent patterns, I don’t anticipate another post until Tuesday next week.

So yes—Nextdoor has transformed.
But transformation without transparency isn’t progress.

If awards are meant to recognize real impact, then accountability, openness, and measurable outcomes should be part of the criteria.

#Nextdoor #Leadership #Transparency #CorporateGovernance #CommunityTrust #CivicTech #Accountability #DigitalCommunities #NXDR