OVERVIEW

The State of Community Engagement Report

2025 U.S. National Look at How Residents Connect with Local Government

OVERVIEW

Now in its fourth year, the State of Community Engagement Report continues to track how residents across the U.S. perceive and experience their relationship with local government. This year’s survey asked over 1,000 voting-aged residents — including a dedicated Spanish-language survey — about what’s working, what’s missing, and how they want to engage with government today.

We’ve seen shifts over the past few years — from the post-pandemic reset to in-person meetings in 2022, to the rise of text messaging and multilingual outreach in 2023, to the conversation about AI and encouraging participation in 2024.

In 2025, we’re seeing a sharper focus on trust, flexibility, and proof that feedback actually matters.

METHODOLOGY

Sample Size

This report features survey responses from 1,000 people, gathered between June and July of 2025.

Demographics

Respondents span different states and regions across the United States and reflects the socioeconomic diversity of the American population as a whole.

"In 2025, residents expect outreach that feels personal, accessible, and responsive to their daily lives. Our latest State of Community Engagement Report highlights these shifts, and how agencies can adjust to build stronger, more representative connections with their communities."

Jay Dawkins
Founder and CEO, PublicInput