Public engagement is changing—and local governments are at the center of this shift. To support this shift, we conducted a scan of trends and best practices in North America in 2020 as part of an engagement review and policy development project, and then we updated it in 2024.*
The report explores the key societal and engagement trends influencing how communities interact with local government. From declining trust and rising polarization to the growing role of AI and mobile-first engagement, it offers a summary of the key changes that must be navigated to strengthen public participation and enhance decision-making. It highlights what local government should consider in order to offer more inclusive, transparent, and responsive engagement opportunities that meet the needs of increasingly diverse and digitally connected communities.
*Thanks to Sylke Jaspers for leading the update in 2024.
