How Can Local Governments Earn Community Trust?

How Can Local Governments Earn Community Trust? 

The United States is facing a crisis of trust. Public trust in government in the US has been in decline for decades, and today only 24% of Americans say they can trust the government to do what is right. While the public conversation around trust in government often focuses on the national level, local governments are an equally important part of the equation. They are responsible for providing the everyday services that people depend on and generally interact more directly with their constituents. As such, they provide a key opportunity to repair government-community relationships.

During this presentation and Q&A, Emily Mello, Master in Public Policy graduate from the Harvard Kennedy School, will join us to discuss her research on how local governments can earn community trust. She will share the core findings from her thesis project and discuss how these lessons can be used by governments and civil society. 

Emily Mello has dedicated her career to advocacy and civic engagement, both internationally and domestically. She currently serves as a management consultant with The Bridgespan Group, helping nonprofits and philanthropy achieve greater social impact. She previously worked on local and national political campaigns, including Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign. On the global side, she worked for an international women's health organization and advised the UN and foundations on their advocacy strategies. She received her Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School and her BA from Northwestern University.