Conclusion

With economic instability and inequality, the climate crisis, and concerns over technology and the future of the workforce, there are many reasons for cynicism about twenty-first century public policy and governance.

But cynicism overlooks the energy, creativity, effectiveness, and opportunity for engaging residents in their communities. Undoubtedly, the local level is emerging as an important focal point for democratic governance and experimentation. As cities across the world continue to grapple with these increasingly existential policy challenges, the most effective methods will be based in reimagining civic engagement models. In doing so, by engaging the experts of their own communities, cities across the globe are also offering chances for more equitable democracy and building longer-term civic skills.

The examples in this report give concrete examples of how to do so, with both realistic, small-scale policy opportunities and more ambitious proposals to directly give more control of public resources and spaces to community members. Taken together, they can offer a combination of inspiration and realistic proposals that public leaders can implement in their own communities—whatever the local need and limitations.

In doing this work, we have often heard that the leaders on the front lines of cities need more support and connections to peers in other cities. Therefore, we also hope that this report can serve as both a source of potential professional connections for others seeking to execute this work, in addition to offering concrete blueprints for reimagining civic engagement.

Ultimately, perhaps the most important recommendation this research offers is the necessity of collaboration, from the local level to the global level. After all, meeting future challenges and delivering our not-yet-realized promise of democracy demands nothing less.