The Community Engagement Academy, a program from NLC’s Cities of Opportunity initiative, runs from September 2025 – September 2026. Six city teams have been selected to participate in this twelve-month technical assistance program, focusing on helping cities to develop core infrastructure and internal systems to promote clear, authentic communication between city governments and the residents they serve.
What is the Community Engagement Academy?
When city governments move beyond transactional, one-time engagements with residents into a regular practice of authentic connections through ongoing dialogue and shared decision-making, they can unlock transformative potential for their communities. This deeper level of involvement not only creates more impactful solutions but also repairs trust with historically marginalized communities, particularly when prior engagement has been lacking or dismissive.
Cities participating in the Community Engagement Academy will embark on a transformative journey to integrate resident voices into city governments and strengthen city relationships with community groups. Through tailored technical assistance, practical tools, and peer learning engagements, participants will enhance their ability to deeply and continually engage residents and partners to improve health and wellbeing for all.
NLC is thrilled to announce the cities participating in the 2025-2026 Community Engagement Academy:
- Aurora, IL
- Fort Collins, CO
- New Haven, IN
- North Charleston, SC
- Richmond, VA
- Takoma Park, MD
The Cities of Opportunity Initiative
Municipal leaders know that achieving health equity doesn’t happen overnight – that removing inequities so all city residents have the opportunity for health and well-being requires considerable effort and focus, collaboration, dedication and the willingness to confront systems and policy barriers.
But it can be done. And the results are transformational.
Grounded in a Theory of Change and strategies that center equity, authentic community engagement and sustainability, CoO helps bring communities together through a variety of entry points to find common ground and drive transformational change toward health, well-being and equity.
Cities of Opportunity Theory of Change
Cities of Opportunity
From the Event: Decades in the Making: How Four Cities Are Creating Lasting Early Childhood Impact
Creativity and Collaboration for Healthier Cities
Making the Case for Healthy and Safe Housing Policies: A Messaging Toolkit
