Neighbors are often a community’s “initial first responders”. In times of need, community members rely on networks found in their neighborhoods for support, guidance, and social connection. Studies have demonstrated that residents with broader and deeper social networks in their own neighborhoods develop a more profound connection to their community and a more robust sense of belonging that translates to effective community engagement and meaningful service. Accordingly, people are more likely to contribute to their community if they develop better relationships with their neighbors. This phenomenon is at the heart of the work that the Charlotte Department of Housing & Neighborhood Services performs.

Civic and democratic engagement initiatives are only as effective as the scope of their impact. However, determining “impact” can be a difficult endeavor. How can cities determine if these initiatives are delivering? Initiatives that promote civic and democratic engagement require frequent and regular assessments for their efficacy and impact. Developing an apparatus for doing so, however, is a challenge. Civil society can occupy a unique role to address this.

When Danene Sorace was elected mayor of Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 2018, the city had never operated a department dedicated exclusively to neighborhood services and development.

After gaining a greater understanding of the unnecessary challenges Lancaster residents were facing through running for office, Sorace made a campaign promise: she was going to create Lancaster’s first ever Department of Neighborhoods

The Equitable Community Engagement Blueprint, drafted in collaboration with community members and implemented by the City of Durham, North Carolina, is a model to authentically engage and involve community members in every step of the City’s decision-making processes.

When a city effectively delivers services, fields community feedback, and seeks to consistently improve on its performance, a positive relationship between the city and its residents can develop. Just as importantly, trust - a key ingredient to promoting effective civic engagement - can be forged.

Orlando, Florida uses effective service delivery alongside sustained, full-circle feedback, as a means by which to promote civic engagement and improve service delivery, despite the challenge of a rapidly-growing population

Detroit’s Department of Neighborhoods (DoN) directly connects the City of Detroit to block clubs, community groups, business owners, faith leaders, educators, and everyday residents. By formalizing a system of community “block clubs,” the Detroit DoN promotes neighborhood representation and normalizes direct coordination between residents and officials. With the creation of the DoN and the rejuvenation of Detroit’s block clubs, the city government and community members have worked hand-in-hand to develop a more civically engaged Detroit.