In the past, American cities were more than just places to live; they were communities where residents felt a deep sense of belonging. However, as cities became more focused on service delivery and measurable outcomes, the idea of civic membership declined. The City Membership Campaign aims to restore this sense of belonging by encouraging residents to engage with their neighborhoods, local organizations, and city governance.  This initiative (from Sam Pressler and Pete Davis) fosters a culture where people feel responsible for the well-being of their communities, leading to stronger connections, better local services, and increased civic participation. The Role of Neighborhoods Neighborhoods are at the heart of city membership efforts. Strong neighborhoods create strong cities, as they serve as the foundation for civic engagement and community building. The campaign envisions neighborhoods as hubs for local activities, mutual support, and communication between residents an...

Building a strong sense of city membership is not a short-term project—it requires ongoing commitment, adaptability, and creative thinking. After establishing leadership roles, fostering neighborhood participation, and launching key engagement programs, cities must focus on sustaining these efforts over time. This means securing funding, expanding participation opportunities, and making civic engagement a lasting part of local culture. Deepening Engagement: Keeping Residents Involved Develop Civic Education Programs – Knowledge is power, and cities can empower residents by offering civic education workshops, youth engagement programs, and mentorship opportunities . Schools, libraries, and community centers can host events that teach residents about local governance, how to advocate for change, and ways to get involved in city affairs. Encourage Digital Engagement – In today’s world, digital tools can enhance community participation. A city app or online platform could allow residen...

A city thrives when its residents feel a sense of belonging and purpose within their communities. The City Membership Campaign  (developed by Pete Davis and Sam Pressler) seeks to deepen civic engagement by creating spaces for connection, fostering leadership, and ensuring that every resident has a role in shaping their city’s future.  This is part two of what I have learned from reading their posts and materials. After establishing foundational efforts—such as a Membership Director, a civic census, and accessible meeting spaces—cities can take further steps to strengthen local engagement. Strengthening Neighborhood Involvement To expand the impact of the City Membership Campaign, cities must focus on empowering neighborhoods to take charge of their own growth and development. While neighborhoods already serve as gathering places, they need resources, leadership, and structure to truly thrive as civic hubs. Three ways to do this include: Hosting Neighborhood Engagement Event...

  Neighboring 101 is not just for new homeowners or people new to community life. The ongoing program is for anyone wanting to improve their neighborhood or community as well as their personal life and health. When you register or subscribe to the program, you get access to all past classes and can attend live sessions with neighboring leaders from all across the United States. Class members can also access David Burton for individual coaching sessions on neighboring. Neighboring 101 class members also receive a special digital newsletter for the class.  Here are the official links to all of our past classes. These are mostly unlisted on YouTube and are made available to individuals in our Neighboring 101 program. If you are interested in being a guest speaker for Neighboring 101 you can submit your presentation proposal online now for review by our team. WELCOME TO NEIGHBORING 101  - Hear from David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri E...