Today’s Morning Buzz is brought to you by Mary King, a writer with Envisio, a public sector-focused strategic planning and performance management software. Connect with Mary or Envisio on LinkedIn.
- What I’m reading: “No Shortcuts” by Jane McAlevey
- What I’m watching: “The Sopranos”
- What I’m eating: This really yummy baked oatmeal breakfast with carrots and apples — recipe from Bon Appétit!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
An ability to remain connected to (and invested in) community is one of the most important things during times of change, distress, disaster, or upheaval. It is through community that we find assistance for ourselves, that we are often able to find the motivation to set aside our own troubles to help others, and that we are able to begin the process of organized action and response. Community gives us meaning; it has the capacity to challenge us, engage us critically, comfort us, and often, quite literally, save our lives.
Local governments function as structures that shape our communities, and they’re also communities in their own right, with their own cultures, struggles, and unique features. Local governments can be great community mobilizers, but during times of crisis or change — particularly at national or state levels — it can be easy to feel swamped by the immensity of everything. However, unlike larger, broader government bodies, local governments are actually positioned to address community needs the most quickly and effectively.
The local government, in many ways, is where policy can be felt as action most immediately. When residents face the challenges that come with political and economic turbulence, it’s often their local leaders who step up to organize collective responses and maintain a sense of stability.
Here’s why — and how — local governments need to remember their power of mobilizing community action, especially during times of upheaval.
Building trust and community cohesion
Research indicates that while trust in government has been in a historic decline, local government remains the most trust level of governance.
Local governments are in a unique position to foster trust with their communities. Local officials and leaders often have deep roots in their communities, and they are more likely to understand the unique cultural, social, and economic dynamics at play. This familiarity fosters trust — a crucial ingredient for effective community mobilization.
It’s often noted that trust in government is in decline, but local government remains the most trusted level of government, according to research.
Local governments can enhance this sense of community trust by maintaining open lines of communication — maybe by hosting town halls, or having a public dashboard. Our research into resident trust in local government — together with our academic partners at Arizona State University — suggests that key drivers of resident trust include keeping residents informed, taking responsibility, being open and transparent, and being seen to act in the best interest of the community. Broadly, these key drivers can be grouped into two categories: acting with openness and with integrity. These are important during times of stability, but even more critical during times of crisis.
Trust in local levels of government can really go a long way in alleviating fears, reassuring residents, and creating a shared sense of purpose.
Responding quickly and directly to community needs
Local governments operate on a smaller scale than national bodies, allowing them to respond quickly to challenges as they arise. This ability to act swiftly is essential when immediate needs — such as food security, housing support, or mental health resources — become more pressing.
Take, for instance, the economic fallout of a national recession. As job losses and financial strain ripple through communities, local governments can allocate resources and respond strategically — for instance, by partnering with food banks or community centers — to set up relief efforts that are felt immediately.
Leveraging local knowledge and networks
Local governments have the advantage of knowing their communities intimately. And this is a really good thing when it comes to community mobilization, which relies heavily on understanding the landscape: who needs support, which resources are available, and what infrastructure can be leveraged.
For example, when facing a public health crisis, local governments know where to find vulnerable populations who may need extra help. They can quickly dispatch resources to support at-risk groups, establish check-ins for isolated residents, and ensure everyone has access to essential services.
Being a reliable source of information
Misinformation and uncertainty spreads quickly. Residents may not always have accurate, trustworthy information about what’s happening or how it will affect them. Local governments, however, can step in as a reliable source of information, providing clarity and transparency on current events and offering regular updates on community resources and initiatives.
Local governments are the backbone of communities
Local governments are a major asset to communities during times of crisis, and their abilities to offer strategic guidance, and practical solutions to pressing needs becomes increasingly important when national politics or economic conditions feel unstable.
By focusing on the tangible, the local, and the immediate, and doing so with a mindset of openness and integrity, local governments create resilient communities capable of withstanding whatever challenges lie ahead. We believe in the power of the local — and the power of community.