Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership
The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership works with local governments, non-profit organizations, and residents to both promote and support constructive and broad-based civic involvement in decisions that affect people where they live and work.
Special Feature
The Future of Public Engagement In a Hybrid World
July 2021
As we emerge from the pandemic, we must apply the lessons learned while restoring traditional approaches to public engagement that are effective.
Latest Publication
Communication and Engagement Post COVID-19: The need for both high tech virtual ability as well as a revisiting of traditional methods
June 14, 2021
"Over the past year, local governments have increasingly embraced virtual communication out of necessity, but at the same time most have developed an appreciation for it as a more heavily relied upon resource going into the future."
By: Maureen Tobin and Michael Huling
Our Mission
To help build stronger communities in California by promoting public participation in local governance.
Our Vision
To be a champion of public engagement as a 21st-century leadership skill for local governments and residents to succeed together.
What We Do
We offer comprehensive training opportunities in public engagement for local and regional local government leaders.
We offer various resources to help design, deliver, and promote inclusive, authentic, and effective public engagement.
We provide a unique platform which brings together partners in civic leadership and public participation in local government.
"At the heart of Davenport Institute's work is building—in some cases, rebuilding—trust between citizens and government. Public engagement is both a set of skills and a perspective on what's possible when the public and the public sector come together to customize policy solutions at the community level."
"The Davenport Institute provides the knowledge, resources, and practical support that local leaders need to engage the full diversity of resident voices to inform policy in a meaningful way on the perennial and emerging issues that shape our communities in the 21st century. Getting this right is vital to strengthen the foundation of local democracy."
"The old ways of doing business often limit seats and the table and don't always address the evolving needs of changing community demographics. The Davenport Institute provides current tools to engage your entire community during the civility of calm times or the incivility of crises."