The League has an ongoing project to map organizations working to protect and enhance democracy. Project Co-Director Matt Leighninger presented an initial report on the work last week that has so far tabulated over 10,000 organizations working in this arena. “Our goal is to rekindle hope,” said the other co-director, Carolyn Lukensmeyer, “Hope that we can return our country to a more democratic state.”

Learn more about the mapping project.

If You Want to Improve Local Democracy, Get to Know Your Community

Strengthening Democracy through Local Action and Innovation

The League Welcomes Four New Members to Board of Directors

The Center for Democracy Innovation has been collaborating closely with three communities over the past few months to consider and develop innovations aimed at enhancing official public meetings. Our approach starts with a basic assumption, which is that if you want to understand how to make changes to local democracy, you need to know the community. Read more.

The All-America City Award is celebrating its 75th anniversary! The 2024 award will recognize communities that are finding ways to equitably engage community members in activities that strengthen local democracy, like making it easier to vote, engage in community affairs, and serve in leadership roles. Letters of intent are due December 15th. Learn more and apply.

The League added four new board members and elected a new slate of officers. Mayor G.T. Bynum of Tulsa, OK, Council Member Diana Romero Campbell of Denver, CO, Angela Montez, Senior VP, Chief Legal, Corporate & Government Affairs Officer at MissionSquare Retirement, and Mayor Vince Williams of Union City, GA were each elected to three-year terms. Read more.

The Future of Citizenship:

A series of essays

Strengthen Democracy with an End of Year Gift

Rebuilding Trust between Elected Officials & Citizens

Democracy and citizenship continue to evolve, spurred by new threats and new opportunities. The League released a series of essays in advance of last week’s Future of Citizenship conference to help explain the nature of the threats, how they developed, and the democracy innovators and innovations that are emerging to meet the moment. Read more.

As the League works to strengthen democracy and create a better future for America’s communities, we are asking for your financial support. We understand that giving is a personal experience and that there are many giving priorities, but we also believe that fortifying democracy is paramount to the future of individuals and communities. Read more.

According to research, public trust in government is among the lowest it has been in 70 years of polling. In response, many are turning to democratic innovations, intending to redefine the role of citizens and carve out unique opportunities for them to engage with their peers and make decisions on important issues. One such approach is the deliberative town hall. Read more.