Policy & Politics Journal blog

OCTOBER 16, 2024

by Bram Verschuere Many (local) governments worldwide experiment with citizen participation in policy decision-making. Engaging citizens is assumed to be an answer to the real or perceived crisis of representative democracy. There is, however, no consensus about the extent to… Continue reading →

Local Government 75

Local Government Government Engagement 75

GovLoop

AUGUST 18, 2023

Constituents depend on digital engagements to connect with state and local government — they’re going online to pay utility bills, apply for permits and renew vehicle registrations.

Constituents 97

Constituents Engagement Security Local Government 97

AWS Public Sector Blog

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

As citizens’ expectations evolve and the need for rapid, accurate information becomes more pronounced, state and local governments seek smarter ways to keep pace. Enter Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and large language models (LLMs)—the dynamic duo powering the next wave of efficient state and local government services.

Local Government 75

Local Government Government Public Sector Public Service 75

GovPilot

OCTOBER 13, 2023

When local governments actively involve residents in local decision-making processes, they gain invaluable new knowledge and perspectives from community members. This inclusivity ensures that policies are tailored to the real needs of the community and address any concerns the public may have regarding their community.

Community Engagement 52

Community Engagement Local Government Engagement Government 52

State Tech Magazine

OCTOBER 24, 2024

Now, it’s state and local government agencies’ turn to benefit from DCaaS, and there are many ways those benefits can play out, according to Dan Danciger, integrated services engagement specialist for State & Local at CDW.

Government Agency 71

Government Agency Local Government Government Engagement 71

GovLoop

JANUARY 31, 2023

Neurodivergent individuals could be part of the untapped talent pool that meets the demand for cyber, machine learning, artificial intelligence and other skills that government leaders agree are hard to find — and even harder to retain. Federal, state and local government agencies concur that recruiting talent has changed with the pandemic.

Engagement 111

Engagement Government Cultivation Public Sector 111

NLC (National League of Cities)

MAY 28, 2024

Local leaders should consult with their general counsel when implementing local policies or engaging in litigation. Over the past decade, affirmative litigation by local governments has emerged on various […] Source This article and information is meant for educational purposes only.

Local Government 66

Local Government Government Implementation Engagement 66

zencity

JULY 12, 2023

Here are four things every state and local government leader needs to know about Threads to be a successful early mover: Register your username(s) right away. We hope these tips are helpful to state and local government officials as they consider how to make Threads part of their social media mix and strategy.

Local Government 98

Local Government Social Media Government Accountability 98

Citizen Lab

MARCH 10, 2023

Local governments are tasked with some of the toughest decisions for future-proof policy and program planning. Making those decisions behind closed boardroom doors, in silos, is not the solution. Turning to community members and tapping into real-time community data is a better alternative.

Local Government 52

Local Government Engagement Community Engagement Government 52

American City & Country

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

This is due to younger generation voters engaging on platforms like X, Instagram and TikTok, and with half of all U.S. In this election cycle, we are witnessing a tipping point—social media will likely hold a heavier influence on government elections now and into the future, meaning state and local governments may need a strategy reset.

Social Media 58

Social Media Local Government Government Laws 58

American City & Country

AUGUST 21, 2024

“It’s important to note that local governments have developed a reputation over the years for having lackluster cybersecurity; and not without good reason. Boateng lists the following IT weaknesses that are sometimes found in local government technology departments: Weak authentication. “And Insider threats.

Local Government 64

Local Government Security Government Operations 64

GovPilot

SEPTEMBER 12, 2024

Local governments provide essential services like public safety , infrastructure, and civic engagement , but many still use outdated software that falls short in today’s digital world.

Local Government 52

Local Government Public Safety Government Engagement 52

GovPilot

SEPTEMBER 2, 2022

Local government challenges have grown ever more complicated in recent years. We’re coming out the other side of a years-long pandemic and witnessing increasingly extreme weather events, all while faith in public institutions is at an all-time low.

Local Government 69

Local Government Government Constituents Engagement 69

GovPilot

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

Modern Engagement Strategies Traditional Engagement Strategies Modern Engagement Strategies How To Get the Most Out of Citizen Engagement Initiatives Who Is Citizen Engagement For? How Much Time Does It Take to Build Effective Citizen Engagement? What Else Is Trending in Citizen Engagement?

Engagement 52

Engagement Government Community Engagement Local Government 52

GovPilot

FEBRUARY 27, 2024

Local governments are guided by a group of foundational principles that help set the groundwork for their actions and decisions. These basic principles should be upheld at all times because they help promote strong leadership which ultimately leads to stronger community involvement.

Local Government 52

Local Government Government Constituents Community Engagement 52

GovPilot

NOVEMBER 1, 2023

In the complex world of local governance, volunteers serve as the backbone of community based initiatives such as a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), sustainability committees, local health advocacy groups and much more.

Local Government 52

Local Government Advocacy Government Engagement 52

NLC (National League of Cities)

JUNE 1, 2023

Solving these issues may feel overwhelming, but local governments can overcome these herculean tasks by bringing residents and leaders together around what’s most important. Public engagement and data can move communities forward. There is a convergence of crises like climate change, an unpredictable economy, and more.

Local Government 52

Local Government Government Engagement Community Engagement 52

GovPilot

AUGUST 16, 2023

When you think of major cities, which comes to mind: pedestrians or cars? Chances are, you’re probably thinking of a lot of people walking and maybe even a few opting to use a bicycle!

Local Government 105

Local Government Government Constituents Engagement 105

Social Pinpoint

JANUARY 12, 2025

In 2015, I was inspired by the conversations happening at the ELGL (Engaging Local Government Leaders) Annual Conference, specifically the discussions around making local government more accessible. Fast forward to 2025, and the need to make meetings more accessible is as critical as ever.

Engagement 52

Engagement Translation Community Engagement Local Government 52

Death and Taxes

MARCH 27, 2023

Local governments in North Carolina are required to engage citizens in their budget process by following the guidelines set forth by the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. In previous posts (for example: here , here , and here ), I have discussed citizen engagement in the budgeting process.

Engagement 52

Engagement Budgeting Policy Objective Local Government 52

Citizen Lab

JULY 18, 2023

Exploring the potential of community engagement, we encounter a multitude of innovative projects hosted on CitizenLab platforms. Learn more about the work of other local governments and let it inspire your own community engagement efforts!

Community Engagement 52

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government 52

Citizen Lab

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

This August, we’ve been amazed again at how local governments worldwide are leveraging their CitizenLab platforms to engage with their communities. Dive into this selection of community engagement projects, curated by our participation experts, and let these examples inspire you!

Community Engagement 52

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government 52

Citizen Lab

MARCH 13, 2023

Local governments are constantly seeking new ways to engage with their communities. Our platform has proven to be a valuable tool for facilitating this engagement, and governments all over the world are discovering new and innovative ways to use it.

Community Engagement 52

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Budgeting 52

Death and Taxes

NOVEMBER 28, 2023

Blog post by Whitney Afonso, Zach Mohr, and Scott Powell Questions for Practitioners: When (as in time of year) should you engage citizens in budget simulations? Can I expect trust in our government to increase if we engage citizens in budget simulations? At any rate, a choice on how to start the simulation must be made.

Budgeting 52

Budgeting Engagement Local Government Government 52

Citizen Lab

JANUARY 5, 2023

Developing and renewing parks and city centers are core priorities for local governments. Local governments invest in these projects because they recognize their value to a community, including deeper community connections, economic development, and a sense of pride among residents. Let’s dive into six recent projects.

Community Engagement 52

Community Engagement Engagement Economic Development Local Government 52

Citizen Lab

AUGUST 15, 2023

In this month's selection for our inspiring platforms series, we take you on a trip across different countries to learn more about other local governments' work and inspire your community engagement efforts! The post Community engagement examples: July’s inspiring platforms appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog.

Community Engagement 52

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government 52

Citizen Lab

MARCH 6, 2024

We launched our podcast, Public Square, to highlight the transformative stories of local governments worldwide. One episode features an engaging discussion with Aja Hazelhoff from the City of Seattle, focusing on the crucial integration of equitable engagement into comprehensive planning.

Engagement 52

Engagement Outreach Community Engagement Coordinator 52

Citizen Lab

APRIL 13, 2023

In today’s world, local governments strive to establish effective community engagement projects with their communities. Our platform has emerged as an invaluable resource in facilitating this connection, with governments worldwide exploring creative ways to leverage its potential.

Community Engagement 52

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government 52

Citizen Lab

JANUARY 12, 2024

As local governments gear up for a whole new year of community engagement, you want to take a step back and look at how you might reach new people or reactivate community members who haven’t engaged with you in some time. The New Year is a time for reflection and celebration.

Community Engagement 52

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government 52

GovLoop

JUNE 6, 2024

Improving public trust and engagement doesn’t happen by chance. When people say, ‘Oh, we just want to do better engagement and reach our audience,’ there is no fixed ‘audience,’” she explained. If an audience member doesn’t feel like you are talking to them … they’re less likely to engage with you.”

Outreach 52

Outreach Engagement Constituents Campaign 52

GovPilot

MARCH 5, 2024

Local governments play a critical role in the functioning of society, bearing significant responsibilities and managing a wide range of essential tasks within the community.

Local Government 52

Local Government Government Public Safety Management 52

Citizen Lab

OCTOBER 21, 2023

Through CitizenLab platforms, 500+ local governments and organizations are flipping the script, inviting their communities to co-author their shared future. Our team of engagement experts has handpicked these examples that are making real waves. Dive in now to get inspired!

Community Engagement 52

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government 52

Citizen Lab

DECEMBER 20, 2023

This selection introduces fresh, inspiring projects but also revisits some of the most noteworthy ones our community of 500+ local governments and organizations launched in the past year. The post Inspiring community engagement examples and platforms #12 appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog. Enjoy the read!

Community Engagement 52

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government 52

NLC (National League of Cities)

SEPTEMBER 12, 2022

Citizens are more motivated than ever to participate in their governments. Over the past two years, people have seen just how much impact policy decisions can make in their day-to-day lives–not just on a national level, but on a local level, too.

Engagement 94

Engagement Public Health Government Local Government 94

GovPilot

FEBRUARY 23, 2023

Unlike the Federal Government, which can and does run a large budget deficit, most local governments are legally required to prepare a balanced budget. Because local governments cannot spend more than they’ve budgeted each year, preparing a budget is one of their most critical jobs.

Local Government 52

Local Government Budgeting Government Constituents 52