This month, ICMA will be focusing its content efforts for icma.org/DisruptiveChange on building civic trust through community engagement efforts. The purpose of each of the resources provided over the next 30 days or so is to give readers hands-on information on how local government managers and their staffs can build upon or expand their understanding and skills of engagement to build or maintain trust in the community.

According to results of a Gallup poll conducted, local government “has consistently garnered more trust from Americans than state government.” Unquestionably, in the last year, there have been local governments that have compromised public trust, but 72% of A surveyed by Gallup do have a “great deal” of confidence in their local government.

So what can local governments do to build trust and confidence in their communities? From the PM magazine article, “Local Government’s Success in Maintaining Public Trust,” author and county manager of Gaston, NC, Earl Mathers, lists the five things local governments can focus on to engender trust between citizens and government. Download the checklist and share with your staff, today!

FOLLOW ALONG WITH ICMA.ORG/DISRUPTIVECHANGE IN DECEMBER FOR MORE RESOURCES THAT FOCUS ON PLANNING AND PREPARING FOR DISRUPTIVE CHALLENGES. HERE WE EXPLORE SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES TO KEEP RESIDENTS SAFE, IMPROVE COMMUNITY RELATIONS, AND BUILD UPON OR EXPAND YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS.