Cities and counties are weathering the storms of the campaign season and this week’s elections, working to encourage voting, assure election integrity and safety, and battle misinformation. Above all, local governments and nonprofit groups are finding ways to build trust, which extends not only to elections, but to community affairs in general. Read more.

Healthy Democracy Ecosystem Map: 20 States

Local Democracy in Boulder Gets a New Look

Local Work on National Issues Continues

The League is proud to announce the release of data from twenty states for the Healthy Democracy Ecosystem Map, an interactive tool that highlights the ideas, organizations, resources, and connections that strengthen democratic practices across the U.S. While democracy faces serious challenges, this map offers a powerful reminder of the vast network of groups working to protect and enhance our democracy. Explore the map.

This September, the Boulder City Council hosted a “Community and Council Forum,” to enhance civic engagement by fostering two-way dialogue between council members and residents. Co-designed with the League's Center for Democracy Innovation, the forum aimed to improve interactions during public meetings, resulting in increased feelings of being heard and constructive dialogue among participants. Read more.

Worried about the results from the national elections? Have no fear, local work in the trenches will continue to address broad issues of national importance and continue to yield results! Cities and counties are proving their capability to tackle these challenges through innovative, community-driven approaches on issues such as climate change, racial equity, immigration, and more.

Read more.

New Resource for

Civic Measurement

National Civic Review

Fall Edition

Webinar: Becoming a 2025 All-America City

With the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, we're excited to launch the Guide for Civic Measurement, a practical companion to the Mapping Civic Measurement report released in 2023. While the report introduced a framework for assessing civic readiness, the new guide provides you tools to enhance understanding, reflect on efforts & prioritize measurement initiatives. Read more.

The Fall edition of the National Civic Review focuses on strengthening democracy, addressing this challenge through various approaches. It explores scaling and spreading effective local practices, enhancing inclusivity and participation, and tackling issues related to community health and public safety.

Read more.

Join us for an in-depth exploration of the 2025 All-America City Award theme, focusing on how inclusive community engagement can strengthen environmental sustainability. League staff will outline the award criteria, key dates, and potential focus areas for applicants. Hear firsthand insights and strategies from previous winning communities.

Register here.