Local governments across the United States are the most trusted level of government — 67 percent of residents trust them to handle local problems and 62 percent feel their local elected officials represent them or their community’s interest very and somewhat well.
City, town and village leaders interact daily with their residents on main streets, in schools and throughout their communities, actively listening, discussing key issues and solving issues. NLC is working to support local leaders as they serve their residents – to improve civic discourse, public engagement and building communities where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
NLC’s research has found that:
Hover over each block to reveal each statistic.
89%
Source: NLC member pulse survey fielded August 2024.
74%
Source: NLC member pulse survey fielded October 2025.
60%
Source: NLC member pulse survey fielded August 2024.
This March, the NLC Board signed a civility resolution committing to standing united, reducing polarization and creating an environment that values shared goals, increased empathy and genuine dialogue.
Leading on Civility
The National League of Cities (NLC) Board of Directors announced a national call for cities, towns and villages across the United States to adopt local civility pledges aimed at strengthening respectful public discourse.
Pass Your Own Civility Resolution
NLC encourages local leaders to pass their own civility pledge and share it with NLC. NLC partner The Dignity Index has developed a sample resolution and guidance for passing a civility resolution with your governing body. Follow the directions below to download the civility resolution template.
Step 1: Download the civility resolution template.
Step 2: Follow The Dignity Index guidance to propose the resolution to your governing body.
Step 3: Share your civility resolution with NLC.
Once your council has passed the civility resolution, please share it with NLC. NLC is committed to uplifting the work of local leaders during City Summit in Nashville. Submissions shared by July 6 will be highlighted at the Summer Board and Leadership meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, July 8-10.
Featured Civility Resources
Celebrating America250: Share Your Story
NLC is lifting up how local governments are marking this milestone by strengthening community engagement and creating a vision for the next 250 years together. Learn more and share your story on our initiative page.
