Giving Compass' Take:

• Former Indianapolis mayor Stephen Goldsmith lists some advice aimed at community leaders to instill more public trust in local government.

• Transparency and thoughtfulness are two key elements to the process. How can the nonprofit sector work with municipalities on programs in a bipartisan spirit?

• Learn why every local government needs a new operating system.

To maintain voters' favorable opinion and trust, municipal leaders need to keep some things in mind.

  • To the victors do not go the spoils: Municipal officials are always going to respond to the political party or interest groups that elected them, as they should. Still, these same officials must resurface streets in wards that opposed them, incorporate the views of disparate groups in land planning, and assign police officers based on need, not political alignment.
  • Politics is the means to the end, not the end. Individuals who genuinely care about their communities use the political process and the power of democracy to secure leadership positions to produce public value and help those most in need. The electoral victory is an important step, but just a step.
  • Choose your battles carefully. Municipal leaders should limit their involvement with polarizing issues not germane to day-to-day governance. They should focus on accomplishing what makes a difference to people.
  • Be transparent. Well-visualized open data that can be understood at the neighborhood level inspires confidence. Open data is not about outbound tweets concerning local successes, but rather should help set realistic expectations, show what is working and what is not, and serve as a platform for engagement.

Read the full article about local government and the myth of declining democracy by Stephen Goldsmith at Governing Magazine.