Polarization in America: Survey of Local Government Survey IV

Polarization in America: Survey of Local Government Survey IV is the fourth installment in a series of surveys aimed at understanding the impact of polarization, identifying solutions, and strengthening communities. The report, produced by the nonprofit research organization CivicPulse and commissioned by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, 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. The fourth survey was conducted between June 23 and August 21, 2026, and surveyed 1,224 officials in local government, including members of city councils, county commissions, and school boards.