US (Washington Insider Magazine) – A new study from CivicPulse and Carnegie Corporation of New York reveals that while political polarization is intensifying at the national level, local governments remain strongholds of bipartisan cooperation. The survey, which polled over 1,400 local elected officials and civil service leaders, found that although 87% believe polarization is harming the country, only 31% say it significantly impacts their local communities.
Local Governments Prioritize Problem-Solving Over Partisanship
According to Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie Corporation, national political divisions are not disrupting local governance, where officials prioritize policy-making over party loyalty. “Communities, whether liberal, conservative, or mixed, are focused on forging compromises and addressing daily challenges,” she said.
Smaller Communities Experience Less Polarization
The study found that smaller communities are less affected by political divisions:
- 46% of officials in cities (50,000+ residents) reported strong polarization.
- Only 28% of officials in towns (1,000–10,000 residents) reported the same.
Jeff Sorensen, a township supervisor in Michigan, noted that while candidates run under party labels, once elected, “those hats come off, and we serve the people.”
Why Local Governments Are Less Divided
Surveyed officials pointed to several reasons why local governments avoid the extreme polarization seen at the national level:
- Personal connections: Local officials and constituents interact frequently, fostering common ground.
- Issue-based governance: Local problems—such as potholes, sewer repairs, and infrastructure—rarely align with partisan ideology.
- Quick decision-making: Many local issues require immediate action, making bipartisan cooperation essential.
Sorensen recalled a 2018 emergency water crisis in Michigan, where city officials collaborated across party lines to restore clean drinking water within 72 hours. “Nobody cared about politics—we just worked together,” he said.
Polarization Intensifies During Elections
Despite their relative political stability, local governments experience heightened polarization during election seasons. The study found that local officials, responsible for ballot collection, poll worker recruitment, and election oversight, often become targets of voter frustrations regarding federal elections.
Nathan Lee, founder of CivicPulse, noted that even in small communities, officials “become the front lines for people expressing their concerns—sometimes respectfully, but often not.”
National Issues Driving Local Divisions
While local governments maintain a cooperative environment, some national debates are infiltrating local politics, particularly:
- School curriculum and LGBTQ+ issues
- Public library book bans
- Local zoning laws
These topics, though nationally charged, fall under local governance, making them unavoidable for city councils and school boards.
The Role of Local News in Combating Misinformation
The decline of local news outlets and the rise of social media have also contributed to misinformation and increased local tensions. Emily Holmes, a local official in Pennsylvania, noted that online discussions often escalate more divisively than in-person conversations.
“People are much bolder online than they are face-to-face,” she said.
Conclusion: Local Governments as Pillars of Stability
Despite national turmoil, local governments continue to function as oases of compromise, focusing on problem-solving over partisanship. The study suggests that community-based governance fosters trust, as officials remain accessible and relatable to their constituents.
“Local government leaders are people you see at the gym or grocery store,” Lee said. “That connection builds trust, and trust is what keeps local communities working together.”