Currently, there are people who believe government is toxic. When it comes to national and governments, it is difficult for individual citizens to have a significant impact. And no, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t vote and do what’s necessary to make your voice heard. What it does mean is that people can turn their attention to the form of government where one person can make a difference, and a significant one: local government.

If you haven’t listened to the Threads of Change April 2026 podcast with Carolyn Cagle discussing local government, you should — it’s both educational and inspiring. For those, however, who are short on time, here’s the Cliff Notes version, which details why paying attention to local government is important, and why participating matters.

Why Participating in Local Government Matters

First, paying attention (reading notices and attending meetings) matters, because local governments are often hoping you won’t pay attention. They want their motions to go through without challenge or discussion. Not because they’re evil or trying to put something over on the local populace, although that sometimes might be the case. It’s because they’re human.

They’ve made a decision, one they think is right and fair, and they don’t want to debate it, they just want to pass it and implement it. People who don’t agree with their decision can become a roadblock and perhaps force change. So, if you care about a certain issue, go to your local government meetings and make your voice heard.

Second, the requirements for starting a business and the zoning statutes or certification requests that may be made before a new business can open its doors aren’t arbitrary or designed to be obstacles. These requirements and statutes are there because your local government has given thought to how your community should be structured.

When you’re looking to start a business or expand one, what they want to know from you is how your plan will impact the community at large. That’s why there is zoning, so noisy factories aren’t next to residential neighborhoods. That’s why licenses are required for certain businesses, to make sure the proper procedures are followed and precautions are taken.

Third, take some time to understand how your local government is structured and why. Townships will have one type of government. Cities will have another type. Learn how your local government works and what opportunities are available for participating.

Keep in mind that participation doesn’t always have to look like sitting on the town or city council. Joining a civic organization like a chamber of commerce can be participation. Volunteering to work for a candidate whose views you support is participation. Attending a council meeting and voicing your opinion is participation, as is writing a letter to the editor and making your views known. If you understand how your local government works, the levers of power become much more visible, and you’ll understand how to influence policies much more easily.

One thing to keep in mind: If you do decide to serve on a council or some type of board or planning committee, you and your business will be more visible in your community. Not everyone will like the decisions that you help make. Some people will question every job connected with your local community that your business gets.

The only way to combat this is to make sure that your business is always above board and follows all rules and regulations scrupulously. You also need to be sure you’re going into local politics for the right reasons. Your goal should be to make the entire community better, not to grow your business or to implement policies that only benefit you.

If you do decide to take part in local government, focus on your passion, or on influencing the issue that you think will have the most impact. Take a look at who your community leaders are and how they’ve voted. Familiarize yourself with what committees and issues exist and when and how committee seats are filled. Connect with local parties or interest groups in your community to help build support and find people who have similar views on issues that are important to you. Yes, this will take time, and you’re already busy running a business, but the time you spend will be worth it.

Finally, encourage everyone around you in your local community to also get involved. It’s easy to be cynical about government and think that whatever we can do will be of no use and have no impact, but that’s not the case at any governmental level and particularly not the case on the level of local government. The decisions made on this level impact on your business, your family, and your community the most, so make sure you’re a part of the decision-making process and that your voice gets heard.

Not sure how to start? Here are some helpful links:

She Should Run – sheshouldrun.org/what-we-do/

Find Your Local Government or Run for Something – usa.gov/local-governments