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
Back to the Future - Where are we Post-Pandemic (ish)
Our second annual State of Public Engagement conference was a success! We had 100+ participants join a conversation on external factors impacting public engagement, what public engagement looks like now, and how we can address issues of digital equity. If you missed the conference, the recording can be found here.
Latest Publication
How Local Governments Can Support Home-Based Entrepreneurs
April 20, 2022
"The entrepreneurial spirit has always shaped the American economy, and that continues to be the case today. As home-based businesses become more and more popular, it is incumbent on local governments to help facilitate this commerce by removing unnecessary and burdensome restrictions that impede entrepreneurs. Through policies that promote zoning reform and provide technical assistance, cities can help home-based businesses flourish—benefitting entrepreneurs, communities, and governments alike."
By: Michael Huling, Graduate Assistant
Our Mission
To help build stronger communities by promoting public participation in local governance.
Our Vision
To be a champion of greater civic engagement in local government to build stronger communities and greater confidence in local democracy.
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."
Davenport Institute Case Studies
The Davenport Institute is launching a call for current case studies to help capture the rapidly expanding work of local communities towards civic engagement in California, and the amazing diversity of innovative approaches. The selected cases will be added to the Davenport Institute website under the Research and Studies section, featured on our social media, and incorporated into our trainings (where applicable).