REPORT

2024 State of Community Engagement

The 2024 report captures the voices of 1,000 voting-aged residents to understand their expectations of local and state government. From communication preferences to trust in AI, this year’s data-driven findings offer agencies a clear path to more inclusive, effective engagement.

2024 Community Engagement Trends

Resident Preferences

For the first time, text messaging ranks alongside email and postal mail as a top outreach method—signaling that timely, mobile-friendly communication is no longer optional.

AI Success Hinges on Trust and Privacy

Residents support AI for analyzing input, but a majority say privacy is non-negotiable—highlighting the need for secure, transparent use of AI tools in public engagement.

"Don't Make Me Ask" Language Access

A third of Spanish-speaking residents hesitate to request translations—underscoring the need for default multilingual access, not just compliance.

Connection Fuels Participation

When people feel informed and included, they’re far more likely to engage. Proactive, relevant communication—delivered in the right context and through trusted channels—lays the foundation for meaningful public involvement.

Community Partnerships Are Key to Building Trust

Residents are more likely to engage when outreach is rooted in relationships they already trust. Partnering with local organizations and grassroots networks creates a more inclusive, credible path to participation.

"State and local governments are experiencing fundamental shifts in community engagement. Today’s residents expect to be reached on their preferred channels, in their own language, with timely, relevant information. Our 2024 State of Community Engagement Report highlights the big trends, and how our partners are adapting and thriving in this new environment."

CEO of PublicInput Jay Dawkins

Results Deep Dive: Watch the Webinar Recording

Deep Dive: 2024 State of Community Engagement Report

Discover what over 1,000 residents across the U.S. shared about how they want to engage with government—what builds trust, what gets in the way, and what moves them to participate.

In this recorded session, PublicInput experts and Dr. Brad Johnson, Assistant Professor of Public Administration at the University of Nevada, Reno, unpack the key findings and offer practical, real-world strategies to meet evolving expectations.

Request a demo and discover how PublicInput can help you get more done.

Give your team the playbook and tools to demonstrate representative engagement, ensure residents feel heard, and report with confidence to move projects forward.