Are there upsides to the reshaping of American news media? My normally-rose-colored glasses brightened at the benefits listed in a recent NY Times article: a wider variety of quality news sources, at least online; more outlets for specific populations, like different ethnic groups; and greater diversity of thought. Unfortunately, the benefits are uneven, making this yet another arena in which historic inequities are getting worse and democracy suffers as a result. Read more.

2024 All-America City Award Finalists

Activating Citizenship through Deliberation

Infusing Equity into Strategic Planning Efforts

For 75 years, the All-America City Award has uncovered, celebrated, and disseminated the finest examples of American civic innovation. This year’s finalists are being recognized for the strength of their civic capital and efforts to strengthen democracy through local action and innovation. Finalists were selected after a competitive review process based on the criteria of shared vision, civic engagement, inclusiveness and equity, collaboration, innovation, and impact. Read more.

The Federation for Innovation in Democracy (FIDE) is launching in North America with the goal of advancing a democratic culture that is inclusive and responsive, holds government accountable in between elections and brings a diversity of voices to the table. FIDE is committed to fostering meaningful change by amplifying voices and promoting collaboration. The first piece of the puzzle will be FIDE – North America’s first Citizens’ Assembly School, April 18-20.

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Currently, the League is actively engaged in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, spearheading a comprehensive community development planning initiative. Leading this endeavor is senior fellow Derek Okubo. In close partnership with community stakeholders, the League is orchestrating the formulation of a vision and strategy for future community development. This entails revitalizing the downtown area and overseeing the expansion of both the fairgrounds and airport. Read more.

Welcome the League’s Newest Board Members!

Bloomberg to Help Climate Change Work in 25 Cities

Webinar: Building Trust in Elections

The National Civic League added five new members to our board of directors. Ray Baray, Chief of Staff of ICMA; T.C. Broadnax, City Manager of the City of Dallas; Adam Carlisle, Vice President of Labor Relations for Southwest Airlines; Todd Connor, CEO of Veterans for Political Innovation; and Onyeka Obiocha, Executive Director of CTNext were each elected to three-year terms.

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A $200 million, three-year initiative, Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities, was announced to help 25 U.S. cities ”proactively build low-carbon, resilient, and economically thriving communities.” The initiative builds on Bloomberg’s past work and the progress in so many cities and counties to combat climate change, the effects of which disproportionately impacts disadvantaged communities

At a time when the process and outcomes of elections are increasingly questioned, join us to learn how to build trust in the electoral process within your communities. The upcoming webinar will equip you with practical tools and strategies to foster trust in each other and explore how we can make elections more fair and inclusive. Join us on April 10th at 4 pm ET.

Register.