Strengthening Democracy and Civic Engagement in U.S. Cities: A Tool Kit for Local Government Leaders

The Local Policy Lab (“LPL”), a new non-profit founded in 2022, supports local governments in their work to strengthen democracy (as well as to address the climate crisis) at the local level, with a particular focus on partnering with residents to ensure local government reaches and serves the most marginalized communities. Despite the central role cities can play in promoting and protecting democracy, due to a variety of structural reasons, many cities have not adequately prioritized improving democratic engagement or increasing civic participation. LPL’s Democracy Plan Program provides individualized support to cities to focus on enhancing civic participation, promoting civic trust, and strengthening democracy amongst their residents. LPL asked the Capstone team to create a comprehensive report on democracy innovations that LPL cities are focusing on—potentially including but not necessarily limited to participatory budgeting, citizen assemblies, and ranked-choice voting. The team will also produce a tool kit that will provide hands-on guidance to cities throughout the nation.