No matter who they voted for on election day, it has become clear that most Americans agree that our current form of democracy no longer works. Almost 75% of us agree that the U.S. used to be a good example of democracy, but isn’t anymore. To address this shared concern, I propose ten innovations and reforms designed to help Americans create the democracy they want and deserve. Read more.

Matt Leighninger, Director

Center for Democracy Innovation

National Civic League

Best Practices for Enhancing Civil Discourse

How Participation Combats Polarization

Perks of Jury Duty? Civic Engagement Booster

In response to research showing that 87% of surveyed local officials have observed a rise in harassment, threats, and violence, the National League of Cities has released a report co-authored by Matt Leighninger. The report offers a collection of best practices aimed at fostering civil discourse and strengthening community dialogue in cities, towns, and villages across America. Read more.

Political polarization and voter disengagement have become defining features of our democracy. In response, democratic innovations are working to empower citizens by involving them more directly in decision-making. When supported by political will, approaches like citizens’ assemblies and participatory budgeting have proven to be powerful solutions.

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We love a good courtroom drama, especially when it features a fictional jury of our peers. But it turns out that jury duty has real-world upsides, too. According to research from the Jury and Democracy Project at Penn State University, jury service has positive, lasting effects on civic engagement. The researchers isolated one element of jury duty – deliberation – as the key factor.

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NCoC Conference: Renewing Civic Health

Tulsa Mayor Takes Over as League Chair

Local Counterweights to Democracy Challenges

Join the National Conference on Citizenship on Dec. 10th in Washington, DC, for a day of sessions on “Renewing Civic Health.” Explore the intersection of democracy, civic participation, and technology with leaders in the field. Attendees will gain insights and tools to strengthen civic engagement and resilience in their communities. Register.

Tulsa, OK, Mayor G.T. Bynum was elected Chair of the Board of Directors for the National Civic League at its annual meeting in mid-November. The Board also elected Denver City Councilwoman Diana Romero Campbell as Vice Chair and the Mayor of Edinburg, TX, Ramiro Garza, as a new board member.

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In times of widespread political rancor, policy stagnation, and continued injustice, it’s easy to become despondent about the future. But this year’s All-America Cities and communities across the country are offering an alternative ending. The fall edition of the National Civic Review provides ten local examples of democracy strengthening work. Read more.