‍ What is the secret to promoting a thriving democracy at the grassroots level? The answer lies in citizen engagement in local government. A 2022 survey by Rock Solid found that 62.8% of people reported being satisfied with their access to local governance. This indicates the need for a more significant level of engagement. It also underscores why encouraging citizen involvement in local governance has to be focused.

‍ Active citizen engagement enables the public to share their opinions on core government decisions with ease and security. This is why it serves as one of the key pillars of a functioning democracy. Additionally, by 2050, two-thirds of the global population will likely live in cities. So, the local governments will need to focus more on involving citizens to meet their needs and aspirations effectively.

‍ According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), countries with higher levels of citizen engagement tend to have more effective and responsive governments. This highlights the critical role engaged citizens play in enhancing governance. However, challenges like lack of awareness, communication barriers, and limited accessibility often restrain civic participation.