Why should local governments use social media? Because that’s where your citizens are.

Portland officials believe that this approach not only produced a more effective economic development plan for a lower cost, but also improved citizen engagement.

The study looks at local government websites because of their unique opportunity to connect citizens with both government and community.

To truly be successful you must enter the realm of community-owned processes, and be prepared to listen, listen, and listen some more.

Does your local government foster citizen engagement? An article based on ICMA's State of the Profession survey results offers food for thought.

Phoenix is the first municipality in the nation to launch a free application that allows residents with Droid phones to point, click and send photos of graffiti, over-height weeds, abandoned shopping carts and other blight violations to the city's Neighborhood Services Department.

Learn how your locality can use customer service as a unifying principle for change.