Local government is changing. Councils don’t just deliver services, they actively help shape outcomes for their communities. The most thriving places are not doing this in a traditional, top-down way. They are listening. They are paying attention to what residents care about, where trust is fragile, and where things are not landing. They are acting on data and insight.
In 2026, listening and engagement are not optional. Sentiment alone is not enough to build up a true picture of local communities. Councils need to understand how people feel, and how that affects trust.
Join us for a deep dive with Manchester City Council’s Policy and Communications leads. We’ll explore the mechanics behind the Our Manchester Strategy 2025 – 2035, examining how one of the UK’s most vibrant cities has turned resident insights into a definitive decade-long roadmap.
What we’ll cover:
