From where we can live, work, and play to how we move about our communities and whether we can access the programs and services we need, local governments regularly make decisions that determine whether cities are places where everyone belongs. When cities work for equity-deserving residents, they work better for everyone.

Civic participation doesn’t end with voting. Decision-making reflects the priorities of those who show up and pay attention between elections, which is often people with more privilege. To create change, the voices of underrepresented people need to be heard around the decision-making tables we seek to influence.

Equity-deserving groups face additional barriers to civic participation. Through community, mentorship, civic education, and skill-building, we can help address these barriers to strengthen our voices and influence.

Whether becoming an urban planner, serving on an advisory committee, or running for office, taking on a leadership role doesn’t happen overnight. Typically, it starts with simply paying attention to what your government is (or isn’t) doing to address your needs. Strengthening civic participation within equity-deserving communities helps ensure that decision-makers reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

When people historically excluded from places of power can advocate for their needs and mobilize for change within a safe community, it increases their sense of empowerment, belonging and social inclusion. Taking action together and building community around shared values can help mitigate hopelessness and anxiety around some of the most significant challenges impacting equity-deserving communities today.