Local institutions face a crisis of confidence in our current approach to solving public problems. Millions of reasonable Americans, in red, blue, and purple communities, don’t sufficiently know or value...
Public meetings are where decisions are made, but they’re often seen as unwelcoming, overly formal, or ineffective spaces for two-way dialogue. If you’ve ever left a meeting thinking, there has...
What makes democracy work? Beyond voting and electoral processes, civic infrastructure encompasses a network of organizations that provide everyday people with opportunities to engage, lead, and act together. In a...
We’re proud to share that Decatur, Georgia is launching a groundbreaking Charter Review Commission, with support from the National Civic League. For the first time in the U.S., a city...
I have a confession to make: in the past decade, I have been to exactly one town hall with my member of Congress. It’s a little embarrassing, considering that I’m...
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...
By Eric LaFontaine – Communications Director, Mount Pleasant, SC Mount Pleasant is taking a meaningful step toward honoring one of its historic communities with the creation of the Scanlonville Praise House...
Over the past few months, congressional town halls have run the gamut. Some have drawn thousands of supportive constituents while others have erupted into chaos. In many places, members of...
Four police officers, a dozen youth leaders, and 55 curious neighbors walk into a public library… It’s not the set-up for a lame joke, but for an evening of powerful...
