Decades of research has shown that the strength of our communities depends on participation, connection, belonging, trust, and the ways we show up for one another.
And a new report developed through a partnership between Leadership Ohio and the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) — Ohio Civic Health Index 2026: Building Civic Strength for Economic Prosperity — reinforces something community leaders across the country see every day: civic engagement is not separate from economic growth, health outcomes, or effective governance — it is foundational to all three.
Why civic health matters
Civic health reflects how people connect, participate, and solve problems together. The data show that when civic health is strong:
- Communities are more resilient and better equipped to address challenges
- Economic development is more likely and employment outcomes improve
- Governments are more responsive and trust is more likely to be built
- Stronger social connection drives better mental and physical health
In short: civic connection and engagement are powerful drivers of shared prosperity and well-being.
Ohio: Strong foundation, real opportunity
Ohio is starting from a strong position and is poised to accelerate civic health.
Across the state, people are well connected to their families and neighbors, take pride in their work, and show a strong spirit of helping one another. At the same time, the report highlights opportunities to build:
- Volunteering is rebounding post-pandemic, but depth of engagement has declined
- Civic conversations and local participation are becoming less frequent
- Local civic engagement is lagging behind national political participation
These insights show that Ohio has a meaningful base for strong civic life and a clear opportunity to convert those strengths into sustained, organized participation.
What’s next: Building civic health together
This report is not just a snapshot — it’s a call to action.
With the data from the report, Leadership Ohio and its partners will be taking measures to explore how Ohioans can raise the curve together. Their series of Civic Health Forums in late 2026 and early 2027 will create space for leaders, practitioners, and community members to:
- Explore the report findings in local context
- Share what’s working across communities
- Identify practical ways to strengthen civic participation statewide
These and other initiatives will begin to improve civic health in Ohio through coalitions and partners.
Explore the report + resources
Download the full report, watch video highlights and insights, and learn more about Leadership Ohio’s work at: https://www.leadershipohio.org/civichealth
Connection and participation in communities leads to better outcomes for health, economic prosperity, and responsive governments. Relationships, trust, and mutual care stitch our neighborhoods and towns together and help us grow.
Ohio has the foundation for strong civic health. Now is the moment to build.
