As usually happens at a conference of the National League of Cities, speakers in mid-March talked about the value of cities, like Vice President J.D. Vance, who said that “cities are the most important level of government.” We’ll see how this works in practice, with articles like this one in Governing describing local pain resulting from federal budget cuts and groups like NLC tracking the impacts of recent federal actions on local governments.

Announcing the 2025

All-America City Finalists!

New Report on the State of Civic Education in KY

Culture Fest: A Model for Civic Engagement in TX

This year's AAC finalists are being recognized for their efforts to advance environmental sustainability through inclusive community engagement. Selected through a rigorous process, an external review committee carefully assessed each application, rating submissions across six criteria. Learn more!

As part of National Civics Week, the Kentucky Student Voice Team (KSVT) announced the release of Beyond the Ballot: The State of Civic Education in Kentucky, a groundbreaking student-led report examining the quality and accessibility of civics education across the Commonwealth.

Read more.

The Edinburg Culture Fest exemplifies how cultural celebrations can promote diversity, strengthen social cohesion, and inspire civic engagement in a Texas town. By merging multiple cultural events into one dynamic festival, the city has created a platform that fosters belonging. Read more.

Global Insights: Overcoming Conflict

Celebrate the 250th in

Your Community!

NCR Article: Citizens’ Governance Spaces

In a time of deep polarization, many of us are struggling to live and work together. Around the world, others have faced similar divides—and some have found ways to build something better on the other side of conflict. Last month, Civic Genius spent two weeks with two exceptional South African leaders who offered a model for working across profound differences. Read more.

America250—the official U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission—is inviting municipalities to take an active role in the 250th anniversary celebrations, ensuring local communities are at the heart of this historic milestone. Cities can become official America250 Cities by committing to participation and completing a pledge card.

Learn more and get involved!

In the Winter Edition of the National Civic Review, authors Albert Dzur and Carolyn Hendricks explore a new approach to collaborative problem-solving. In a time when the state of democracy is a growing concern, there is much to learn from the nimble, innovative, and participatory governance initiatives led by everyday citizens. Read more.