Public engagement is vital to the success of local governments and their communities. But, in an age where trust in government and all institutions is at an all-time low, how can local government leaders break through the cynicism and mistrust to engage directly with their residents?

The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership will host its fourth offering of the Advanced Certificate in Public Engagement for Local Government workshop in February 2019. Over the course of three days, mid-career professionals and leaders will come together and work toward a deeper understanding of the context, purpose, and best practices for engaging residents in the decisions that affect their communities.

“The future of responsive local government will be built from engaged citizens who provide energy towards making their communities stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive,” stated David Gassaway, June 2018 Certificate Recipient and Community Development Director of Indian Wells. “The Davenport Institute’s Professional Certificate program in Advanced Local Engagement is the leading edge of engagement skill development.”

The workshop will take place February 22 – 24, 2019 at the Pepperdine Malibu Campus. Anyone with an interest in engaging community members from a local government standpoint can and should apply for this session, including professionals from cities, counties, and special districts; private sector employees who partner with public agencies; and graduate students focused on local government.

“The Professional Certificate program in Advanced Local Engagement was an invaluable experience,” said Yvonna Cazares, June 2018 Certificate Recipient and City of Oakland’s Director of Community Engagement. “No other program harnesses the collective knowledge of their frontline leaders quite like the Davenport Institute. My cohort helped me develop solutions to programs and introduce new strategies to fuel collaboration across my organization. I implemented what I learned the same week I got back.”

More information, including cost of participation and how to apply, can be found at publicpolicy.pepperdine.edu/certificate-public-engagement. For questions, please contact Davenport Institute Executive Director Ashley Trim via email at Ashley.trim@pepperdine.edu or by phone at (310) 506-6878.