Local authorities often talk to their residents, but they do not always talk with their residents. To effectively understand and respond to community needs, leaders must listen and provide clear, meaningful pathways for community members to participate in decisions. This guide offers concrete mechanisms for local authorities to establish two-way communication systems, suitable for a diverse array of local contexts, to deliver on these goals.
Globally, democracy faces numerous challenges. But democracy is not in retreat. Rather, it should be understood that “democracy is a process, not a static condition. It is becoming rather than being”84 – in this living process is the promise and hope of democracy. The strongest hope is at the local level. Local authorities strengthen democracy by involving residents in decision-making. When national politics appears dysfunctional, with gridlock and partisanship undermining effective problem-solving, local communities must lead the way. Building and sustaining a thriving and vibrant community, city or state offers local leaders the chance to engage residents. They cannot wait for others to solve local challenges. Effective leadership on meaningful local issues is crucial for democratic self-government. Ignoring challenges and delaying decisions risks leaving communities behind.
This guide offers a flexible approach for local leaders to listen to their residents and respond using the powers, capacities and voices they have as leaders and individuals. It also encourages building accountability by reporting to their neighbors, peers and colleagues with honesty about the community’s status and priorities.
Throughout this guide, we have referred to the community as a living thing, unpredictable in its nature, characteristics and direction. We refer to “residents,” but each one is an individual with their own unique dreams, strengths and weaknesses. There is no single, scientific approach to engaging one or all of them in local decision-making. This can be frustrating, but it is not a reason to give up; it is instead an invitation to experiment, try something new, innovate and learn what works for you, your community and the people who call it home.
In the span of human history, democratic governance is young, a recent development; there is still plenty to learn, and often, we learn best from our mistakes and the examples of others. In that spirit, NDI welcomes your feedback about what worked (and did not work) for you and your community, and how we can improve this guide. This guide serves as a living resource that captures successes, failures and everything in between, with the aim of serving local officials wherever and whoever they may be well into the future.