Public Engagement

Nationwide test of Wireless Emergency Alert system could test people’s patience–or help rebuild public trust in the system

COMMENTARY | The Oct. 4 text message is supposed to reach all compatible devices in the U.S. It could shed light on how government agencies can improve their emergency communications.

  • By Elizabeth Ellcessor and Hamilton Bean, The Conversation

Should public officials be allowed to block constituents on social media?

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to answer that question as a new term gets underway. The justices will hear two cases on the issue out of California and Michigan in which lower courts ruled differently.

  • By Chris Teale

Politicians understand that Taylor Swift fans are a key demographic

COMMENTARY | Taylor Swift could help policymakers to never go out of style. Leaning into social media trends, such as Swift’s long-awaited The Eras Tour, could win the favor of constituents and boost local economies.

  • By Matt Harris, The Conversation

As Government Employees Work From Home, People Find Services Curtailed

Everything from pandemic policies to security concerns is causing agencies to reduce in-person services, including licenses and permits.

  • By Alec MacGillis, ProPublica

Can You Lend This Sewer Agency an Ear?

A new podcast from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District seeks to connect with its residents.

  • By Molly Bolan

Latest Round of Grant Funding Opens for Public Arts Projects

The Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative will offer awards of up to $1 million. Cities with over 30,000 people are eligible to apply.

  • By Molly Bolan

Striking the Right Balance Engaging With Residents Online

A new survey looks at preferences around giving input to local governments virtually, versus in person. It also finds most people don’t recall ever being asked for feedback.

  • By Molly Bolan

Creating a Virtual City Hall

COMMENTARY | Doing so can offer residents a digital one-stop shop for interacting with local government, while also improving the experience.

  • By Rajiv Desai

The Three Cs of Effective Public Engagement

COMMENTARY | Incorporating citizen feedback into government budget and finance decisions can often lead to disappointing results, but following these principles can help.

  • By Chris Adams

3 Ways Governments Can Regain Citizens’ Trust

COMMENTARY | Transparency, efficiency and accountability are the key ingredients to rebuilding confidence.

  • By Rajiv Desai

The Complicated Art of Getting Community Engagement Right

It's not always easy for cities to collect feedback from residents. Officials are looking at fresh ways to get the job done, while trying to avoid pitfalls like “engagement fatigue.”

  • By Bill Lucia

The Key to Stronger Local Democracy: Equitable Engagement

COMMENTARY | Federal stimulus funds provide an opportunity for cities to authentically connect with their residents and regain their trust.

  • By Mark Funkhouser and Steven Bosacker
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'Vaxfluencers' Getting Residents to Get the Shot

Public health agencies are paying local Instagram and TikTok celebrities to promote Covid-19 vaccines, a relatively new outreach strategy that, so far, seems to be working.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Grab Your Mask and Your Civic Pride: It’s City Hall Selfie Day

The annual celebration, created by Engaging Local Government Leaders, encourages municipal workers and citizens to celebrate their communities by posting selfies in front of city halls.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

A Plan to Excuse Students From School for Protests and Demonstrations

A proposal in Delaware would allow students one excused absence each school year to attend a “civic engagement activity.” If passed, it would be the nation’s first statewide guarantee, its sponsor said.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

What the Rise of Virtual Meetings has Taught Us About Civic Participation

COMMENTARY | The increased occurrence of virtual community meetings demonstrates how technology can be used to boost citizen engagement, transparency and trust.

  • By Megan Asikainen

Texas Legislature Considering Bill to Make it Harder to get Public Information About Government Employees

Senate Bill 16, filed by State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, would require an individual’s written consent for a state agency to share their personal information.

  • By Anna Canizales, The Texas Tribune

Civics Education Isn’t Boosting Youth Voting or Volunteerism

COMMENTARY | Research finds that states that require civics courses do not necessarily have more youth voting or young people volunteering at higher rates than other states—and there may be a connection to QAnon support as well.

  • By John A. Tures, The Conversation

Americans Grow More Confident in Safety of In-person Religious Services, Poll Finds

But the number of people attending church on Easter Sunday in early April will likely be down compared to normal, the results also show.

  • By Brent Woodie

Voting By Mail? You May Not Get a Sticker That Says So.

Whether you receive an "I Voted" sticker with your ballot depends entirely on where you live. Some election officials are cautioning against dispensing stickers in person out of fears of spreading the coronavirus.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

How Local Governments Can Get Feedback From a More Diverse Range of Residents

Participation in local government often skews heavily toward white residents, elderly people, and homeowners.

  • By Emma Coleman