Why Even the “Losers” Embraced the Outcome: What Citizens’ Assemblies Teach Us About Democratic Legitimacy 

July 1, 2025

 In democratic politics, every decision produces winners and losers. Whether through elections, referenda, or public consultations, someone’s preferred policy will lose. The critical question is: Will the losing side accept...

The League Hits the Road: Civic Innovations in Four Communities

April 27, 2025

That’s a wrap! Over the past month, the Center for Democracy Innovation had the privilege of working on the ground in four incredible communities, co-hosting public engagement workshops and piloting...

The Power of the Shared Table: How Food Fosters Dialogue, Inclusion, and Action 

March 2, 2025

Food is more than sustenance—it is a universal connector, a bridge between cultures, and a catalyst for civic action. Throughout history, breaking bread together has symbolized peace, unity, and collaboration....

Principles in Practice: A Democratic, Transparent, and Innovative Approach to Leadership Selection in the Mesa Public School Board 

January 29, 2025

Selecting a superintendent is one of the most impactful decisions a school board makes, shaping the education and community development trajectory. A superintendent is a leader who embodies the district’s...

Democratic Innovation Beyond the Norm: Thinking Economically 

January 29, 2025

There are at least four widely recognized reasons for adopting more inclusive democratic practices: representation, legitimacy and decision quality, civic trust, and accountability with transparency. Engaging diverse citizen perspectives, including...

How Participation and Deliberation Combat Polarization 

November 27, 2024

Political polarization has become a defining feature of modern democracy, particularly highlighted during the lead-up to and aftermath of the presidential election. While the partisan divide remains sharp, another critical...

Local Democracy in Boulder Gets a New Look

November 1, 2024

On September 26, 2024, the Boulder City Council piloted a first of its kind “Community and Council Forum,” a reimagined version of the traditional “study session.” These study sessions are...

Reflections on the 2024 Democracy R&D Conference 

September 26, 2024

The annual Democracy R&D conference was hosted in Vancouver from September 19-20 by MassLBP, in partnership with NewDemocracy, and collaborators such as Simon Fraser University’s Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue.  ...

Civic Innovations in Public Budgeting: Oakland’s Equity Approach and Leon County’s Simulation Game 

August 27, 2024

It’s rare to hear about civic and democratic innovation in public budgeting. Often, the way in which regular capital and operational investment planning occurs tends to limit discussion to particular...

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