Polarization in America: Survey of Local Government Survey II

Polarization in America: Survey of Local Government Survey II is the second in a three-part series of surveys aimed at understanding the impact of polarization, identifying solutions, and strengthening communities. The report, conducted by the nonprofit research organization CivicPulse and commissioned by Carnegie Corporation of New York, explores how political polarization impacts governing at the local level using a mixed-methods approach of close-ended survey questions, open-ended survey questions, and follow-up interviews of local government officials. Between January and March 2025, CivicPulse surveyed almost 1,300 elected officials in local government, including members of city councils, county commissions, and school boards.