Over the past decade, trust in government has steadily declined. That trend has been well documented in PM articles, academic research, and countless surveys. Running parallel to this decline is another challenge that local governments are feeling every day. Interest in local government as a career path has also decreased, making recruitment and succession planning more difficult than ever. 

In addition to challenges with finding employees, even finding volunteers for advisory boards and other volunteer opportunities are becoming increasingly challenging in this ever-challenging environment.

As public managers, responding to complex and long-term challenges is part of the fabric of who we are. Whether the issue is infrastructure, service delivery, or organizational culture, we are wired to look for practical solutions. The same mindset needs to be applied to rebuilding trust in government and cultivating interest in public service, particularly among younger generations.

One program that has helped the city of DeLand take meaningful, long-term steps in that direction is a youth-focused public engagement initiative known as the DeLand School of Government. The program was created in 2006 through a partnership between the city of DeLand, the DeLand and Greater West Volusia Chamber of Commerce, and Volusia County Schools. At the time, there was a clear gap in how much students understood about how their local government functions and how decisions are made.

The mission of the program then, and still today, is to provide relevant, hands-on, and comprehensive learning opportunities for students interested in government, public service, and political science. Along the way, two additional benefits became clear. The program exposes students to local government as a viable and rewarding career option, and it encourages them to become civically engaged, whether by attending public meetings, serving on advisory boards, or eventually running for elected office. Taken together, the DeLand School of Government has become a practical way to help grow the next generation of local volunteers and leaders.

The program runs concurrently with the school year, with students meeting off campus once a month. Each session focuses on a different aspect of local government operations and combines presentations, site visits, and hands-on activities. Students interact directly with department directors, elected officials, and community partners. The program concludes with a mock city commission meeting where participants experience firsthand the dynamics of agenda setting, public comment, and decision making.

Over time, the program’s impact has grown. Its success led to expansion into a neighboring community, and in 2014, it was recognized by the Florida League of Cities with a municipal achievement award in the citizenship category.

Funding for the program is shared among the city, the school district, and the chamber of commerce. Annual costs are modest and primarily cover meals, transportation, and basic program supplies. Approximately 15 students participate each year through an application and competitive selection process. Demand consistently exceeds available spots, driven largely by student word of mouth and the support of a dedicated high school faculty advisor.

Over the past 20 years, more than 300 students have completed the program and gained a deeper understanding of how their local government operates. The long-term value of that exposure is difficult to measure, but the outcomes are encouraging. One former participant went on to graduate from law school and now serves as a circuit court judge in the community. Each year, current students tour her courtroom, learn about the judicial branch, and participate in a mock trial. While none of the program’s alumni have yet joined the city of DeLand workforce, it feels less like a question of if and more a matter of when.

Some of the lessons learned through the years are straightforward but important. First, early exposure matters. Many students enter the program with little understanding of what local government actually does day to day. Second, relationships matter. Direct interaction with professionals humanizes government in a way that textbooks and civics classes cannot. Finally, patience matters. Programs like this are long-term investments, not quick fixes, but the payoff is a more informed, engaged, and prepared generation of future leaders and volunteers.

At a time when trust in government and interest in public service are both under pressure, local governments have an opportunity to be proactive. Youth engagement programs like the DeLand School of Government are one way to start rebuilding that trust while strengthening the future talent pipeline for our profession and for our communities.

MIKE GREBOSZ, ICMA-CM, is assistant city manager of DeLand, Florida.