The purpose of the Davenport Institute is to help solve California's public problems by promoting citizens' participation in governance. We work with city governments, special districts, regional governance associations, and non-profit organizations to both support and promote legitimate civic involvement.
"The Davenport Institute's focus on best practices and emerging techniques in civic engagement gives hope to better policy-making and governance. Greater public participation and trust in local government fosters more effective local representative democracy in California. Civic engagement is a game changer for the good and the Davenport Institute is leading this change."
- Rod Gould, City Manager, City of Santa Monica
What is "legitimate" civic engagement? | Why engage citizens in policy-making?
