The Crucial Role of Civility in Governance and Community Leadership

In an era marked by polarization and rising tensions, the call for civility is more urgent than ever. But what exactly is civility, and why does it matter in public service, leadership, and community engagement?

The Institute for Civility in Government offers a foundational definition: Civility is about claiming and caring for one’s identity, needs, and beliefs without degrading someone else in the process. It’s a decision—an intentional choice about how we represent ourselves and our communities in the public square.

Civility as Respect and Restraint

During Addressing the Rise of Incivility: A Town Hall Event, streamed on C-SPAN in partnership with the American Public Health Association, American Psychological Association, ICMA, and the National League of Cities, Julia D. Novak, executive director,  ICMA, frames civility in personal terms: "Civility is respect for somebody's dignity. We know it when we don't see it—attacks on motives, on character, [and] on basic confidence." She urges leaders to apply the Golden Rule in all discourse: treat others, even those with opposing views, with the respect we ourselves would hope to receive.

Bill Doherty, PhD, psychologist and co-founder of Braver Angels, clarifies that one can be civil, even when disagreeing. "The critique of the civility language Is you have to be nice, you keep your voice calm. No, you can be vigorous and civil." Matt Leighninger, director, National Civic League Center for Democracy Innovation, also gave his view on civility, calling it the bedrock of collective decision-making." Communities have to be able to make decisions together, solve problems together, and build community. Civility is a prerequisite," he said. In this view, civility isn’t just about being nice. It’s essential to the very function of democracy.

Humility, Cultural Competence, and Leadership

James Bridgers, director of Health and Human Services in Montgomery County, expands the definition by tying civility to humility and cultural awareness. He emphasizes that leaders must be trained and educated in cultural competency to foster environments where all voices are heard and respected. "When folks are not aligned with your definition of civility," he notes, "it is incumbent upon us as leaders to align those thoughts around what civility means."

Steve Patterson, mayor of Athens, Ohio adds highlights the need for consistency in modeling civil behavior— particularly for front-line staff who often bear the brunt of community frustration. Whether it's a complaint about a swimming pool or a more serious civic issue, Bridgers advises public servants to remain disciplined and positive. "We need to emulate the behavior we would like to see returned to us," he says, underlining the idea that civility is both a leadership tool and a moral stance."

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Civility as a Collective Standard

Ultimately, civility in governance is not about suppressing disagreement, it’s about engaging in disagreement constructively. It is a form of mutual respect that allows for meaningful dialogue, problem-solving, and progress. As these leaders remind us, civility is not passive. It is a deliberate, sometimes difficult choice to rise above hostility, to seek understanding, and to lead by example.

In turbulent times, it may be tempting to abandon civility for expedience. But as these voices suggest, doing so comes at the cost of community cohesion, public trust, and democratic function. Civility, then, is not just a virtue—it is a necessity.

Resources to Equip Local Government Leaders with the Skills to Promote Civility in Local Governance

Better Public Meetings Training Series | May 27-June 17
Democracy Innovations for Better Public Meetings
Checklist for Fostering Good Governance
On the Frontlines of Today’s Cities: Civil Discourse, Engagement and Trust Building
Social Media and Online Civility
ICMA Civility Resource Page: View all resources on civility