WHO WE ARE
Cities Forward was founded on a simple but urgent belief: rebuilding trust between residents and local government is essential to restoring civic participation and strengthening democracy. When cities invest in relationships, shared problem-solving, and consistent follow-through, residents are more likely to feel connected to one another and to the institutions meant to serve them.
Across the United States, trust in government has eroded, social ties have weakened, and too many residents feel disconnected from public decision-making. This disengagement is not abstract, it shows up in lower participation, uneven turnout, and communities that feel unheard. Research consistently shows that when people trust local institutions and believe their voices matter, they are far more likely to engage, including through voting and sustained civic participation.
Cities Forward exists to rebuild that trust and close the city–state turnout gap.
our approach
When local governments treat civic trust as infrastructure, not as a byproduct, but as something that must be intentionally built and maintained, they shift how responsiveness shows up in people’s lives. Just as roads, parks, and libraries require sustained investment to function, trust depends on consistent follow-through, clear communication, and meaningful opportunities for residents to participate.
In practice, this means government convening institutional partners, including service provider organizations and trusted community groups, to work in lockstep around resident needs. Because local government cannot do this alone, trust is built when agencies and frontline partners are aligned and create clear pathways for residents to access services and participate in civic life, whether through voting, organizing, or something as simple as a neighborhood block party.
Cities Forward prioritizes partnering with cities that are ready to break down silos, align institutions, and build a shared civic identity, so residents have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to shape their community. By strengthening coordination across government and trusted partners, this approach expands participation across civic life and lays the groundwork for cities to close persistent turnout gaps and reach parity with state-level participation.
Civic Infrastructure Program
For cities ready to invest for the long term, we build civic capacity by embedding staff within city hall to lead citywide coalitions of service providers and community-based organizations. By providing technical assistance, shared tools, and clear goals, this approach improves coordination, strengthens trust, and sustains civic participation over time.
our Goal
Cities Forward works to close the gap between city and statewide voter turnout over time.
We view voting not as a single act, but as the outcome of a healthy civic ecosystem, one in which residents trust local institutions, feel connected to one another, and experience participation as a natural expression of belonging and shared purpose.