Our political system is broken. Americans don’t trust institutions (or each other) and feel that their voices are not being heard. The current debate about democracy presents it as an all-or-nothing proposition. Some political figures talk about “saving” democracy, as if it is something static that can’t be improved. Others don’t talk about it at all, and act as if most Americans would be fine with an authoritarian government. It is time to go on offense. Democracy has never been static, and our political system can be improved. Read more.

Matt Leighninger

Director

Center for Democracy Innovation

National Civic League

Discover What Sets

AAC Finalists Apart!

#AAC2025: Innovate, Connect, Celebrate!

Virtual Training:

Better Public Meetings

This year's finalists for the 2025 All-America City Award are advancing environmental sustainability by engaging residents and local stakeholders. From restoring waterways and expanding urban forests to enhancing green infrastructure, launching equitable climate action plans, and championing environmental justice, these communities are proving that resident-led efforts can drive lasting environmental and civic transformation. Read the #AAC2025 application summaries.

Join the League and our Center for Democracy Innovation in Denver, June 27–29! Start with the Democracy Innovations Workshop, where you'll learn how to communicate the value of a more participatory democracy and explore cutting-edge democracy innovations from across the U.S. and around the world. The workshop leads into the All-America City Award event, once again offering one of the most inspiring, informative, and relationship-building experiences on the democracy calendar.

Join us!

Have you lost control of your public meetings? Want them to be civil, participatory, equitable, and efficient? The National Civic League and ICMA invite you to join us for a four-part online workshop designed to equip local government leaders with the skills to plan, facilitate, and manage official public meetings. This course includes examples and lessons learned from our Center for Democracy Innovation’s pilot projects, supported by AAA-ICDR Foundation. We hope to see you in class in May! 

Register.

Hitting the Road: Civic Innovations in 4 Cities

Brookings' Voters Approve Updated City Charter

Spring Edition: National Civic Review

That’s a wrap! Over the past month, the Center for Democracy Innovation had the privilege of working on the ground in four incredible communities, co-hosting public engagement workshops and piloting democratic innovations. From Appalachia to the Rio Grande Valley, each community showed what it means to root democratic renewal in lived experience, trusted relationships, and imagination. Read more.

In 2024, Brookings launched a thorough review of its city charter, partnering with the League and establishing a diverse charter revision commission. The updates strengthened transparency, clarified roles, improved financial procedures, and emphasized inclusive community participation. Voters overwhelmingly approved the revised charter in April 2025, ensuring a stronger, more accountable, and inclusive Brookings. Read more.

The spring issue of National Civic Review explores how communities are revitalizing democracy and creating belonging, from dinner tables to city halls. Articles highlight electoral reforms, citizen assemblies, participatory budgeting, and ideas for building civic muscle. Contributors also share participatory democracy case studies and reflect on the civic virtue of committing to a place. Read more.