Citizen engagement in local government: A guide to best practices

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What is the secret to promoting a thriving democracy at the grassroots level? The answer lies in citizen engagement in local government.

A 2022 survey by Rock Solid found that 62.8% of people reported being satisfied with their access to local governance. This indicates the need for a more significant level of engagement. 

It also underscores why encouraging citizen involvement in local governance has to be focused. By fostering genuine dialogue, leveraging technology, and embracing inclusivity, local governments can create an impactful citizen experience that empowers residents. 

However, how should governments approach the subject of citizen engagement at present? What should be a priority and what can help governments cut down costs while scaling their service delivery models? Let us find out. 

Benefits of citizen engagement in local government 

Citizen engagement offers numerous benefits, such as:

1. Increased trust and transparency

Governments that prioritize transparency by involving citizens in discussions and decisions enjoy higher levels of public trust.

For example, in Vallejo, California, the introduction of participatory budgeting allowed residents to directly decide how a portion of the city budget was spent. 

2. Improved decision-making

When local governments actively seek input from a broad range of citizens, they can better understand the complexities of community issues and improve decision-making and citizen experience.

For instance, in New York City, the Community Planning Boards serve as advisory bodies on land use and zoning matters.

3. Enhanced community participation and social cohesion

Citizen engagement initiatives create opportunities for individuals to connect with each other on wide-ranging issues, facilitating a stronger sense of community.

In Seattle, Washington, the Department of Neighborhoods established the "Your Voice, Your Choice" program, which empowers residents to propose and vote on small-scale improvements.

4. Better allocation of resources and prioritization of community needs

Citizen engagement in local government ensures that they prioritize resources based on actual community needs.

Hillsborough County, Florida, successfully gathered input from over 17,000 community members to inform local economic recovery efforts.

The current state of citizen engagement in local government

Local governments in the United States have implemented various mechanisms to engage citizens in decision-making processes, including:

Public meetings and hearings

These traditional forums allow citizens to voice their opinions directly to decision-makers. However, these events often suffer from low attendance, limiting their effectiveness in capturing a broad range of perspectives.

Online surveys and feedback forms

Online platforms have led to the widespread use of digital surveys and feedback forms. These tools are accessible and convenient, allowing citizens to participate at their own pace.

Advisory committees and task forces

Local governments often establish advisory committees and task forces to involve citizens in specific policy areas. While these bodies provide valuable insights, they can sometimes be dominated by a small group of individuals, leading to concerns about inclusive decision-making.

Social media engagement

Social media platforms have become a popular means for governments to engage with citizens. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter offer new avenues for interaction, allowing governments to reach younger demographics and gather real-time feedback.

Limitations and challenges of conventional citizen engagement channels

While these mechanisms provide avenues for participation, they are not without their challenges.

Low participation rates

The costs associated with attending events in person, including transportation and time off work, can deter participation, especially for low-income individuals.

Limited representation of marginalized groups

Despite the government's best efforts to foster citizen engagement in local government, geographical, economic, and other factors often hinder convenient participation. 

Also, low literacy rates and technological access in some areas remain significant barriers.

Difficulty in scaling engagement efforts

As communities grow and become more diverse, scaling engagement efforts to ensure inclusive participation becomes increasingly difficult. 

Best practices for effective citizen engagement 

To enhance citizen engagement, local governments should adopt strategies that promote more transparency, inclusivity, and effective service delivery:

1. Ensure inclusive and accessible engagement processes

Local governments must ensure that engagement processes are inclusive and accessible to all residents, regardless of their socio-economic status, language, or digital literacy.

For example, in San Antonio, Texas, the city government conducts meetings and provides materials in multiple languages to accommodate its diverse population.