The City of Raleigh’s Community Engagement team had the pleasure of hosting a group of local government officials from the Republic of Kosovo at the Pathways Center. The visitors were here through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, with the program arranged through a local community partnership, International Focus.
The conversation focused on Raleigh’s approach to engagement – including efforts to meet people where they are, reduce barriers to participation, and build long-term trust with historically underrecognized communities.
In return, the visiting officials shared how they engage residents in their own municipalities, and opened up about the challenges they face in encouraging participation – especially when resources are limited. From creative outreach tactics to lessons learned in public service, the conversation was rich with shared experiences and ideas.
The Kosovo delegation included professionals from across different sectors of local government – including urban planning, public relations, budgeting, and community affairs. Although they represented diverse regions and language backgrounds, their shared commitment to meaningful public engagement was clear. The Community Engagement team is thankful for the opportunity to connect, reflect, and learn together – and wishes the group continued success as they bring new ideas back to their communities in Kosovo.