A growing disconnect between citizens and government ? complicated by the challenges of financial strains, demographic changes, diminishing social capital, and increasing demands from citizens ? has renewed the need for local leaders to revisit issues of democracy and governance.  Rebuilding one of the principal foundations of our country ? a government that is ?of the people, by the people, and for the people ? is central to strengthening our communities.

The National League of Cities is contributing to a national effort to strengthen democracy and governance at the local level by involving residents in government and public life and by focusing on developing an inclusive, collaborative, and effective relationship built on trust between citizens and government.  NLC believes that through dialogue, civic engagement, and collaborative decision-making, communities are better able to strengthen their democratic problem-solving capacity, and in turn, better address the problems we face as a nation. 

Advocacy 
2006 NLC National Municipal Policy  
NLC Resolutions

City Practices
City Practices describes local government programs and practices in cities and towns across the nation on a variety of topics like civics, citizen engagement, and citizen participation in local government.

View a few sample descriptions or Search the entire City Practices collection.

Research & Analysis
Democratic Governance Resource List: Approximately 200 articles, guides and other publications that can assist government managers and communities in framing civic participation processes and governance.

Democratic Governance Organizations List: A compiled list of many the organizations that work in democratic governance related fields in research, education, advocacy and training.

Summary Presentation (in zip format): Download this powerpoint presentation on the Leadership Training Institute Seminar from April 2005 entitled, "The Power of Democratic Governance: Engaging Citizens as Partners," featuring quotes from Angela Blackwell, Benjamin Barber and appearances by Mayor Anthony Williams and Mayor Ray Nagin.

Publications
"The Rise of Democratic Governance: How local leaders are reshaping politics for the 21st Century" (2004). This resource offers a framework for understanding how local elected officials view issues and challenges they face in governing our nation's cities and towns.

"Building Democratic Governance: Tools and Structures for Engaging Citizens" (2005). A resource guide with narratives and case studies to apply to the work of local officials, city staff or anyone involved with engaging citizens in governance.

"Statement of Purpose" of the CityFutures Panel on Democratic Governance (2005).

Futures Report: "Connecting Citizens and Their Government: Civility, Responsibility and Local Democracy" (1996)
To Request a copy, call (202) 626-3030. 

 Nation's Cities' Weekly Articles

Newsletters 
Building Democracy E-Newsletter - NLC/Community Building Institute (CBI)
This is only available electronically at this time. 
To subscribe send an email to barnes@nlc.org

NLC Committee (s) or Councils
CityFutures Panel on Democratic Governance 
Democratic Governance Project

Awards 
Awards for Municipal Excellence  

Innovations in American Government Award 
Administered by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government in partnership with the Council for Excellence in Government, the Innovations Award is given annually to programs that serve as examples of creative and effective government at its best.