Making Democracy Bigger Than Politics: The Power of Local Leadership

In the vast landscape of American governance, it’s easy to get swept up in the spectacle of federal politics—the presidency, Congress, and the endless debates that unfold on our national stage. The old adage that ‘all politics is local’ doesn’t even seem relevant these days as more and more our attention is pulled toward national hot-button issues. But the reality is that the majority of democracy happens much closer to home. Of the 500,000 elected positions nationwide, only about 500 are at the federal level. The rest? They’re in our cities, towns and neighborhoods, where local leaders make decisions that directly impact our everyday lives.

Here at 1050 Forward, we’re focused on leaders in micropolitan communities, where the population is between 10,000 and 50,000 people, who are hard at work solving important challenges. 

Micropolitan leaders don’t have the luxury of getting lost in gridlock, and we have a lot to learn from them. They face real challenges that demand immediate solutions: fixing roads, ensuring public safety, expanding broadband access, supporting local schools, and building affordable housing. Their success relies on collaboration, not division. The leaders we’ve encountered model what it means to put community first and to prioritize results over rhetoric.

One of our 1050 Forward Fellows, Becky Taylor from Stillwater, OK says it best, “I think it is very important to leave a place better than you found it. Stepping up and getting involved in one's community creates ownership and a sense of responsibility. Serving your community is the best way to care for it and make it even better than how you found it.”

“My kids know that if we see a problem, we will be involved in finding a solution. Modeling civic engagement as a parent means my kids see me vote, make calls, step up and volunteer, and help with the solution,” Becky continued.

While the national stage may seem like the defining arena for democracy, it’s at the local level where we often see its true potential. Our local leaders are not just managing small projects; they’re showing us how to build stronger, more resilient communities. They’re demonstrating that democracy is not just about who holds power, but about how we come together to make life better for everyone.

1050 Forward draws inspiration from PACE’s Democracy is Larger than politics initiative. which reminds us that democracy’s true strength is a commitment to inclusivity and a dedication to building representative systems that genuinely serve people. In micropolitan communities and beyond, we see these values come to life as local leaders collaborate across divides and approach problem-solving with a focus on results. Their work is a testament to what democracy can achieve when politics becomes a tool for unity, fairness and shared purpose.