OVERVIEW
The PublicInput 2024 State of Community Engagement Report highlights the perspectives of 1,000 voting-aged residents across the United States. Now in its third year, this national survey underscores residents' expectations to be heard, valued, and actively involved in decisions that impact their lives. This report offers critical, data-driven strategies for state and local governments to support and engage residents based on their feedback.
As residents continue to raise their expectations for community engagement, we are seeing trends that demand effective, efficient, and accessible engagement options. The survey findings confirm that residents want to hear from government agencies and have their say. They are also setting higher standards for what constitutes effective engagement, including:
- Engaging through preferred channels such as email, postal mail, and text
- Prioritizing the protection of their personal information
- Receiving information in their language without having to ask for it
- Having open access to the information needed to provide input
- Connecting through trusted community groups and affiliations
METHODOLOGY
Sample Size
This report features survey responses from 1,000 people, gathered between May and June of 2024.
Demographics
Respondents span different states and regions across the United States and included a socioeconomic diversity representative of the American population as a whole.
"State and local governments are experiencing fundamental shifts in community engagement. Today’s residents expect to be reached on their preferred channels, in their own language, with timely, relevant information. Our 2024 State of Community Engagement Report highlights the big trends, and how our partners are adapting and thriving in this new environment."
Jay Dawkins
Founder and CEO, PublicInput
Resident preference for text messaging reaches new highs.
The success of AI hinges on trust and privacy.
Spanish speakers don't want to ask for language access.
Residents aren't engaging because they don't feel connected.
Residents seek engagement through trusted community groups.
Take action on the 2024 resident engagement trends.
