The Most Overlooked Superpower You Have: Your Voice in Local Government
- Catherine Huckaby
- Nov 20, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 5
The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election captured the nation's attention and energy, with millions of Americans making their voices heard at the ballot box. But now that the dust has settled on the national stage, it's time to channel that civic enthusiasm into something that can make an even bigger difference—right in our local communities.
If you're wondering how to make a real impact, look no further than your city council, county commissioner, and school board meetings.
While national elections occur every few years, local governance is constant. That pothole on your street that never seems to get fixed. Your child's school budget. The new housing development or school that's being built in your neighborhood. These everyday issues aren’t decided in Washington, D.C.—they are determined by local officials and shaped by community members just like you who choose to get involved.
Why Local Government?
When we think about government, we often picture Washington, D.C., Congress, and presidential elections. However, it’s your city council members, county commissioners, and school board representatives who make decisions affecting your neighborhood's safety, your children's education, and your community's development. These local officials influence everything from the quality of your drinking water to the response times of emergency services.
Let's put this in perspective: While federal policies might influence your life in broad strokes, city, school board, and county decisions affect:
The roads you drive on
The parks where your children play
Your property taxes
Local business regulations
Police and fire department funding
Public transportation options
Zoning laws that determine what can and cannot be built in your neighborhood
School curriculum and funding
Local environmental protection measures
Community events and programs
Because so few people typically choose to participate, your involvement can lead to significant changes in your community. By attending local meetings, voicing your concerns, and advocating for issues that matter to you, you really can help impact the future of your neighborhood!
Why Local Engagement Matters More Than Ever
Immediate Impact
When you engage with local government, you can see the results of your involvement more quickly than at any other level of government.
A single voice at a city council meeting can influence a vote, and a small group of concerned citizens can spark significant change in their community. Your presence and participation can make a real, measurable difference.
Accessibility
Unlike federal officials who may seem unreachable, local government officials are your neighbors. They shop at the same stores, send their children to the same schools, and are generally more accessible to their constituents. This proximity creates unprecedented opportunities for genuine dialogue and influence.
Lower Barriers to Entry
Getting involved in local government typically requires less money, fewer connections, and less political experience than engagement at the state or federal level. Whether you're interested in serving on a community board or running for a local office, the barriers to being an active part of the solution are significantly lower.
The Crisis of Local Civic Engagement
Despite the crucial role of local government, civic participation at the city, school board, and county level is alarmingly low. Consider these facts:
Local election turnout often hovers around 15-27% of eligible voters.
Many local government meetings have minimal public attendance.
Numerous boards and commissions often struggle to fill volunteer positions.
This lack of engagement creates a dangerous vacuum where important decisions are made with minimal public input or scrutiny. The good news? This crisis presents an opportunity for everyone to make a significant impact.
How You Can Make a Difference
1. Attend or Watch Public Meetings
Most city councils, county commissions, and school boards stream their meetings online, making it easier than ever to stay informed. Start by watching one meeting a month. Pay attention to the issues being discussed and how decisions are made. Many municipalities also archive their meetings, allowing you to watch at your convenience.
2. Provide Public Comment
Local governments are required to seek public input on many decisions, but it’s up to you to stay on top of those opportunities. Whether through written comments, online surveys, or speaking at public meetings, your perspective matters. Don’t underestimate the power of your voice—leaders take public comments very seriously, especially when participation is low.
3. Serve on Boards and Commissions
Cities and counties typically have numerous boards and commissions that rely on volunteer members, such as:
Planning and Zoning Commission
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Library Board
Historic Preservation Commission
Environmental Advisory Committee
These positions often require no special expertise—just a willingness to learn and serve your community.
4. Vote in Local Elections
Make it a priority to vote in every local election. Research candidates thoroughly, attend local candidate forums, and make informed choices. Remember, in local elections, your vote carries more weight due to lower turnout.
5. Volunteer with Local Government Departments
Many local government departments welcome volunteers:
Libraries need volunteers for reading programs
Parks departments need help with maintenance and events
Animal shelters require assistance with care and adoption programs
Emergency management teams need community volunteers
6. Consider a Career in Local Government
Local government offers rewarding career opportunities for people from all backgrounds. Whether you're interested in urban planning, public safety, recreation, environmental protection, or community development, there’s probably a role that matches your skills and interests.
The Long-Term Impact of Local Engagement
When you engage with your local government, you create positive change throughout your community.
Better Decisions: Diverse public input leads to better-informed choices that reflect the needs of the community.
Stronger Republic: Active civic participation strengthens democratic institutions from the ground up.
Community Connections: Engagement helps build relationships with your neighbors and community leaders.
Improved Services: When more neighbors are engaged, government services tend to be more responsive and efficient.
Greater Transparency: Active community participation naturally leads to more transparent governance.
Taking the First Step
The beauty of engaging with local government is that you can start small and gradually increase your involvement based on your interests and availability. Here’s a simple action plan to get you started:
1. Subscribe to your city's newsletter or social media channels.
2. Identify one local issue that matters to you.
3. Attend or watch a public meeting.
4. Sign Up for notifications about topics that interest you.
5. Consider Applying for a position on a board or commission.
Your Community Needs You
Although it is hard to ignore how national politics are dominating the headlines, the real work of building strong communities happens at the local level. Your city, county, and school district need your voice, ideas, and participation. Whether you choose to attend meetings, serve on a board, vote in local elections, or even pursue a career in local government, your involvement matters.
The strength of our cities depends not just on what happens in Washington but also on thousands of engaged citizens working to improve their communities through local government participation.
Ready to get involved? Contact or visit your city, county, or school board website to learn about upcoming meetings, volunteer opportunities, and open positions on boards and commissions. Your community’s future is waiting for your voice.
