Get city hall to listen
How to build influence, run a petition, and work with elected officials.
Before you rely on thisThese are older articles and answers, and laws and programs change and vary by place. For current rules, check with your local government's clerk, for meeting rules and petition requirements.
Start with these
Guide
How to Fight City Hall, or a Village or Town Board
Learning how to fight city hall is a skill that community organizations must master. Respectfully challenge local government with both facts and emotion.Guide
Neighborhood Advocacy Can Advance Your Agenda
Position your organization for effective neighborhood advocacy for new legislation and programs that you need from your city or state government.Guide
How to Start a Petition That Will Make the Right Impact
This page gives 7 tips on how to start a petition and reveals 5 techniques to avoid.Guide
Emphasize Good Local Government Relations
A program of positive local government relations helps neighborhoods or community organizations increase the likelihood of a responsive city hall. Here’s how.Guide
How Power Mapping for Neighborhoods Can Be Helpful
We explain power mapping for neighborhoods, including when, why, and how to use this tool to help your community reach policy objectives.Guide
Robust Community Engagement Increases Support
Community engagement and public participation for city planning processes may include meetings, open houses, charrettes, surveys, focus groups, and more.
Ready to do something about it?
Turn this into a clear plan.
Mission Maps helps you get clear on the need, mission, outcomes, program, and funding direction.
Original guidance from A Good Community: How to Make and Keep It, owned and edited by Nancy Thompson (formerly Useful Community Development), shared with permission. Community Compass notes and updates are our own and have not been reviewed by Nancy Thompson.