There are three main parts to our work:
We provide direct support to PB processes in order to grow and improve the practice of PB. This includes providing trainings, materials, coaching, and other expertise to governments, organizations, and residents, so that they can implement high-impact civic engagement processes that advance equity and democracy.
Learn more about our services, projects, and clients.
The Participation Lab develops and tests innovative strategies and design solutions that make PB easier and more effective, and that deepen, measure, and communicate its impacts. This work includes developing civic engagement tools such as trainings, guides, videos, and technology to address common challenges in PB.
We build relationships with government officials and staff, organizers, and researchers to increase demand and support for PB. This work includes managing a PB Network of practitioners, holding international conferences, and introducing PB to new types of budgets.
We are building a campaign alongside strong partners to grow demand and support for participatory practices that enable people to make real decisions in government. This means developing a shared policy agenda for democracy between and beyond elections, cultivating political and community support, and launching collaborative pilot programs that model a more equitable and participatory democracy.
Annual Reports
Awards and Honors
Roy & Lila Ash Innovations Award for Public Engagement in Government, Harvard University Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, 2015 (for PBNYC)
City Livability Award, US Conference of Mayors, 2015 (for Boston’s Youth Lead the Change)
Brown Democracy Medal, McCourtney Institute for Democracy, Penn State, 2014
Helen Putnam Award for Enhancing Public Trust, Ethics, and Community Involvement, League of California Cities, 2014 (for PB Valljeo)
Inclusion in the NY State Education Department’s Every Student Succeeds Act Plan
Inclusion in policy recommendations for California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), 2017
Inclusion in policy recommendations for 4th Regional Plan, Regional Plan Association, 2017
Inclusion in policy platform for The Movement for Black Lives, 2016
Inclusion in the Open Government National Action Plan, The Obama White House, 2013 & 2015
100 Resilient Cities
National League of Cities
The Aspen Institute
PolicyLink
LocalProgress