Local Governments and Grassroots Campaigns the Key to Democracy
“Despite the bulk of media attention, financial resources, and focus directed towards national politics, the realm of local governance, districts, and commissions is home to an impressive tally of 500,000 elected officials—surpassing federal and state levels by over 20 times, and allocating a collective $1 trillion annually. Amidst the national political spectacle, local governments wield substantial influence in shaping communities, setting the stage for multigenerational impacts.”
Collectively, local municipalities disburse over $1 trillion in public funds annually, comprising approximately half of the total annual government expenditure in the United States.
In too many local contests, overall voter turnout often remains in the single digits. Some mayoral elections have even witnessed turnout rates as low as 2%. The country boasts a staggering count of more than 90,000 local governments, resulting in tens of thousands of local elections taking place each year.
Unfortunately, trends in participation at the local level are a cause for concern. 79% of local elections witness a lack of competition, with candidates running uncontested. The average number of contenders vying for mayoral positions has dwindled from about 2.5 between 2000 and 2003 to just above 1.5 from 2012 to 2015, according to data from the US Vote Foundation.
Between the years 1979 and 2003, local election turnouts experienced a steady decline of approximately 20% on average. This translates to a decrease of one percentage point in voter participation per election cycle, as reported by the US Vote Foundation.
Despite the bulk of media attention, financial resources, and focus being directed towards national politics, the realm of local governance, districts, and commissions is home to an impressive tally of 500,000 elected officials—surpassing federal and state levels by over 20 times.
The National League of Cities highlights the profound daily influence that local governments exert on citizens' lives, often eclipsing the impact of other tiers of governance.
Local governments preside over a $1 trillion annual budget allocation, managing crucial domains such as:
• Law enforcement, firefighting, and public safety
• Waste management, sewage, and water treatment
• Educational institutions and libraries
• Infrastructure oversight
• Public transit systems
• Planning and permitting processes
• Provision of public health services
Moreover, local governments serve as testing grounds for democratic experimentation, allowing the exploration of innovative policies spanning policing and education to social initiatives and business support services.
To ensure the vitality, equity, and efficacy of local governance, strategic investments are imperative to drive engagement and civic participation at this grassroots level. Amidst the national political spectacle, local governments wield substantial influence in shaping communities, setting the stage for lasting multigenerational impacts.
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