I can't speak for others, but I answer surveys about planned projects, show up to planning meetings (though not full blown council meetings -- talk about a magnet for the best and worst), and send feedback to the city departments and my councilwoman. Do you know how many times a plan has been modified or even slowed down for more review based on neighborhood feedback? Zero. Guess how many times I've even gotten a response to very neighborhood specific concerns I've shared? Zero.
As has been discussed on this thread previously, it feels like the city hires consultants who are here for about 10 minutes, then they look at a street map and say, "here's how we're going to improve!" If people who actually live in the area have a different opinion, we're labeled NIMBYs or obstructionists or worse.
I agree with you that we've missed the best window to really improve, and I bet we agree on a lot more. The city can't make everyone happy. I get that. I just wish that someone would listen to our very local perspectives and input before finalizing a plan and then complaining that we don't appreciate the effort.