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From voicemail to electronic mail, social networks to traditional postal services—even notice boards in communal areas—there’s no shortage of innovative and classic methods for local authorities to connect with residents in their neighborhoods.
Nonetheless, officials throughout Michigan report worrying reductions in engagement with their constituents, despite a broader application of assorted outreach techniques and initiatives. This engagement can involve participating in meetings, providing feedback, or serving on committees, boards, or panels.
This concern is a significant revelation from the most recent edition of the Michigan Public Policy Survey conducted by the University of Michigan’s Center for Local, State, and Urban Policy.
Below are additional highlights from the survey:
- Only 46% of local officials across the state report that their residents are somewhat or very involved, down from 65% in 2012. Even those claiming to provide “a great deal” of engagement opportunities are facing challenges.
- Leaders from rural areas indicate the least resident involvement, with merely 41% stating their citizens are at least somewhat engaged. This is in contrast to communities that are predominantly rural (52%), mostly urban (53%), or urban (64%).
- Rural administrations also lack resources for engagement. Three-quarters of rural officials claim no one in their district is assigned specifically to advance or manage citizen engagement, whereas 22% of urban areas have staff solely devoted to that responsibility, with another 50% having individuals with at least partial responsibility.
- Overall, satisfaction among local leaders regarding resident engagement with their local administrations has significantly decreased, falling from 58% in 2012 and 51% in 2016 to a mere 38% in 2025.
“We often envision smaller, rural administrations as being particularly close to their citizens, but responses in this survey show they are experiencing the most difficulties with low resident involvement,” stated Natalie Fitzpatrick, CLOSUP project manager.
Despite the potential advantages of the myriad communication methods and local governments’ efforts to broaden their outreach, respondents voiced disappointment that these initiatives predominantly draw the same individuals repeatedly, and a small, vocal minority of residents can impact overall involvement negatively.
Many county and city officials specifically observe the growing interference of state and national political divisiveness in local conversations, a phenomenon heightened by social media. Additionally, some respondents expressed a desire for increased attendance at meetings and earlier engagement on matters during the policymaking process—participating in both routine and contentious topics.
Nevertheless, survey administrators also observe signs of optimism and instances of effective practice.
Some local leaders recognize social media, online engagement tools, citizen surveys, and innovative programs like resident academies as beneficial for reaching broader audiences and promoting substantial participation. There’s considerable interest, they note, in formal training on engagement strategies, particularly in urban settings—indicating that resources to enhance capacity and expertise could help address rising challenges.
“The survey has been monitoring perspectives on involvement and local community relationships for over a decade, and these declines are troubling,” remarked Debra Horner, the survey’s senior program manager. “However, local leaders in Michigan generally remain hopeful about the state of local governance, especially in comparison to severe political divides at the state and national stages.”
The survey was conducted from April 7 to June 12. Participants include county, city, township, and village officials from 1,328 jurisdictions throughout the state, culminating in a 72% response rate by unit.
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