UNDERSTANDING THE ENGAGEMENT GAP
Skip the Middleman:
Engage Residents Directly
Residents want to participate directly — proxies don’t cut it anymore. If you work in local government, you’ve probably seen it firsthand: the same familiar faces showing up to every meeting. They’re passionate… but they only represent a slice of your community.
Most residents no longer trust others to speak on their behalf. They expect government to reach them directly, in their own language, and on the channels they actually use.
53% of residents say they’ve never been contacted outside of an election — even though 90% report voting locally.
WHY ENGAGEMENT MATTERS
When awareness is low, the loudest voices dominate. But silence doesn’t always signal disinterest, it often means people simply weren’t reached. Intentional outreach, flexible formats, and consistent follow-up bring more voices to the table, making decisions more representative and inclusive.
What silence really means
Silence in engagement can be easy to misinterpret. Sometimes it reflects a lack of awareness, not a lack of interest. Other times, it signals tacit approval or trust in the process. Governments can move forward with confidence when they recognize these distinctions, demonstrate awareness in the community, and close the feedback loop so residents know their voices were considered.
How PublicInput equips agencies
PublicInput closes the gap with tools like virtual meetings, online surveys, and multilingual outreach — all connected in a central system of record. This gives agencies a complete picture of their engagement, helping them understand silence, measure reach, and make decisions rooted in trust.
This foundation of direct engagement sets the stage for interpreting participation: silence isn’t always disengagement. Explore the next insight to see how tracking reach reveals tacit approval.
HOW FREDERICK COUNTY BRIDGED THE ENGAGMENT GAP
Frederick County’s experience shows that even in tight fiscal times, thoughtful, accessible engagement transforms decision-making. With PublicInput, agencies can reach every resident—online, in person, or in any language—collect meaningful feedback, and turn it into data-driven strategies that build trust and community support.
Start bridging gaps in your engagement today and ensure every voice shapes the future of your community.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2025 U.S. National Look at How Residents Connect with Local Government
Residents want to participate directly — proxies don’t cut it anymore.
Demonstrating reach builds confidence among residents.
Learn which formats resonate and where opportunities exist to reach more people.
CBOs work best as outreach partners, not substitutes for direct public participation.
Residents want transparency and to know their input shapes real decisions.
By modernizing formats, closing awareness gaps, and building trust local governments can move beyond the “angry few” and engage the full community.