This document discusses strategies for strengthening local democracy through community engagement. It notes that citizens today are more educated but skeptical of authority and have less time. Successful engagement tactics include proactive recruitment, bringing diverse perspectives together, and giving people a chance to deliberate and take different levels of action. Online tools can complement but not replace in-person engagement. Sustainable engagement needs to be regular, structured, enjoyable, and enable ongoing connections and participation in governance. Social media can support larger and more sustained diverse engagement.