Local government is the most overlooked and misunderstood democratic institution. Yet, it’s the level of governance that most directly shapes our daily lives: Decisions about schools, streets, parks, housing, and public safety happen here. It’s also where your voice can have the most immediate and tangible impact.

But too often, frustration and anger dominate the conversation. When people feel unheard, local officials and staff — those on the front lines of governance and service delivery, respectively — become easy targets for intimidation and abuse.

This isn’t a new phenomenon. History shows us that when representation is absent, frustration boils over. In medieval Europe, peasants without rights turned to pitchforks and torches, resorting to destructive violence as a desperate cry for change.

Today, we have far more constructive tools at our disposal. Local governments offer citizens the opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and shape their communities — when they choose to engage. As Alexis de Tocqueville wrote in Democracy in America:

Municipal institutions are to liberty what primary schools are to science; they place it within reach of the people, they teach men to use it and to enjoy it. A nation may establish a free government, but without municipal institutions it cannot have the spirit of liberty.

Tocqueville understood that local governance isn’t just a mechanism for delivering services: It’s where citizens learn the habits of democracy itself. These “schools of liberty” teach us how to exercise our rights, advocate for our needs, and work with others to solve problems.

Unfortunately, instead of embracing this opportunity, many turn to modern-day pitchforks — angry social media posts, misinformation campaigns, public shaming, and even threats of violence.

The effects are clear. A recent report shows that 40 percent of local officials are considering stepping down due to harassment and intimidation. Many others avoid addressing contentious but critical issues out of fear of backlash.

When this happens, everyone suffers. Service delivery is diminished. Trust is eroded. Democracy is undermined.

But we can do better. The Philadelphia’s Citizen Pledge offers a clear and powerful call to action:

“I will read. I will act. I will vote. I will challenge authority, and challenge myself. I will grow and learn.”

It’s more than a statement: It’s an invitation to build a stronger community, together. And here are some practical ways to embody this call in 2025:

15 Ways to Engage With Your Local Government

1. Attend Philadelphia City Council meetings. Participating in City Council meetings — whether in person or online — offers unparalleled insight into pressing issues. These sessions provide a forum to voice concerns and influence decisions in real time. Your presence matters; it holds officials accountable and fosters transparency. Here are instructions for signing up to comment on Council meetings and for speaking at public hearings. You can review the agendas on the calendar here and watch meetings live here.
2. Write to elected officials. A single email or letter can spark change. Share your ideas and concerns clearly, focusing on solutions rather than grievances. Constructive feedback is the fuel of progress. Find out who represents you on City Council and how to reach out.
3. Request meetings. Face-to-face conversations can break down barriers and humanize both sides. Requesting a meeting with your local leaders is easier than you think — and often leads to partnerships.
4. Submit feedback through official channels. Local governments increasingly use online platforms to gather public input. Whether it’s a community survey or a comment form on a proposed ordinance, your feedback can shape decisions.
5. Participate in public comment periods. Public hearings and comment periods are democratic cornerstones. This is your chance to voice your concerns directly to decision-makers.
6. Join local planning processes. Zoning, development and infrastructure planning shape the future of your community. Participating in these discussions helps drive equitable and sustainable outcomes.
7. Advocate during budget talks. Municipal budgets are moral documents: They reflect a community’s priorities. Engage in the process to ensure resources are distributed equitably. Read more about Philly’s budget here.
8. Volunteer for advisory committees. Want to make a tangible impact? Join a local board, task force or advisory committee. Your expertise and energy can shape your city’s policies.
9. Host or attend community forums. Community forums are incubators of ideas and solutions. Whether you organize one or participate in an event, these gatherings foster collaboration. Here is how you can locate and join your local civic association.
10. Promote civility in conversations. The tone of your engagement matters. Civility isn’t just about politeness; it’s about listening actively, disagreeing respectfully, and focusing on solutions.
11. Monitor local government actions. Stay informed about policies that impact your community. Use public records, city websites, and local media to track decisions and hold leaders accountable.
12. Educate yourself about local governance. Understanding the mechanics of local government empowers you to engage effectively. Share what you learn to inspire others. The Committee of Seventy maintains resources for Philadelphians to understand how municipal government works and how to participate.
13. Start or support petitions. Petitions can galvanize communities and bring attention to critical issues. A well-organized campaign can shape public opinion and influence decisions.
14. Campaign or volunteer for causes you believe in. Support candidates or initiatives that align with your values. Or consider running for office yourself—your leadership could be what your community needs.
15. Write to or support local media. Amplify your voice through letters to the editor or opinion pieces. The media is a vital platform for raising awareness about community concerns and solutions. Donate to The Citizen here.

Why it matters

Local government is the backbone of our communities. It ensures clean water flows, garbage is collected, and parks thrive. It also tackles complex challenges like affordable housing, climate adaptation and social equity.

But local governments can succeed only when citizens are active participants. Harassment and disengagement weaken these institutions, while constructive engagement strengthens them.

As we enter 2025, the challenges are real, but the opportunities to make a difference are immense. Replace frustration with action, cynicism with solutions, and division with dialogue.

Democracy starts with you — every year, every day.

Diane Kalen-Sukra is a former city manager, author of Save Your City: How Toxic Culture Kills Community and What to Do About It and founder of Kalen Academy, an online civic leadership institute.

The Citizen welcomes guest commentary from community members who represent that it is their own work and their own opinion based on true facts that they know firsthand.

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