What Builds Trust in Cities
Four pathways that strengthen civic trust
How Trust Grows in Cities
Research shows that trust strengthens through four channels: Community Talks connects people to leaders directly. Good Services demonstrates that government works (buses run on schedule, water is clean). Online & Social helps information travel through networks. Local News shares stories that matter to residents. When all four work together, civic trust is strongest. When communication breaks down in any channel, residents notice and trust can decrease.
Trust Patterns Through the Year
Watch how four trust-building channels move throughout the year. ★ shows when they align most closely.
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Reading This Chart
Each colored line shows one of four trust-building channels: Community Talks (green), Good Services (blue), Online & Social (yellow), and Local News (pink). These channels sometimes move together, sometimes apart. When all four rise and cross at the same time, that is a "peak trust" moment marked by ★. This is when civic projects have the greatest impact because residents are most receptive.
City Monthly Trust Rhythm
Left: Trust level each month • Right: Whether trust is increasing or decreasing month-to-month
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How This City Compares
Key trust indicators compared to global average