State of Engagement Report 2026 highlights a growing divide between organizational engagement methods and actual community experiences
More than half of those polled indicated they have never received a direct invitation to join consultations or local engagement efforts
Just 38% of residents feel their input shapes outcomes while only 25% receive clear updates on results after taking part

, /PRNewswire/ -- Fresh data from Open Point engagement platform shows nearly half of North American residents distrust organizations behind community decisions on infrastructure planning public services and policy. These groups are seen as failing to listen act on input or explain decision processes openly. The doubt runs strongest among those who have already attempted to get involved.

The State of Engagement Report 2026 draws on responses from over 500 engagement specialists and 1000 residents throughout North America. It exposes an ongoing divide between how organizations rate their own engagement efforts and how communities perceive them.

Only 38% of residents feel their input shapes outcomes. Just 25% receive clear updates on results after taking part. And 60% think choices are finalized before any consultation starts.

The results point to a built-in issue instead of simple lack of effort. Engagement teams show strong commitment to real participation yet the tools and routines around the work have not advanced enough to match rising demands.

The participation gap

More than half of residents said helping guide local choices matters to them yet 55% report never receiving an invitation to join. Among those who do participate 63% note the same small circle often controls talks. 69% of engagement specialists agree more work is needed to include underrepresented voices.

The numbers question the idea that low turnout means people simply do not care. Instead it often shows that willing participants are not being contacted and those who do join may not reflect the full community.

A sector facing heavy engagement demands

The study reveals a broad systems shortfall that reduces accountability and raises project risks. Only 24% of organizations rely on one central engagement platform. 51% store engagement data in separate unlinked tools and 55% lose institutional knowledge when team members depart.

Engagement issues carry real weight with 65% of professionals noting project delays and 64% reporting higher costs. 50% say engagement problems have caused postponed approvals or permits.

As engagement covers longer multi-party projects especially in infrastructure energy shifts and regulated fields the lack of linked systems adds risk on a large scale.

Even with these hurdles the study shows practitioners focus on creating genuine effects. When asked about main engagement goals building lasting relationships earning community trust and boosting project results ranked above basic compliance or self-focused aims such as faster approvals. This shows real intent to deliver value rather than just meet rules.

The study also finds strong interest in better approaches. 86% of practitioners believe technology should support engagement more and 92% say centralizing data and activities would boost efficiency. 93% view AI use in community engagement positively seeing chances to draft messages review feedback and forecast risks opposition or opinion changes.

John Moss CEO of Open Point said: "The research shows the divide between engagement work and results is not unavoidable but stems from structure. We face major spending on digital and physical infrastructure yet trust in the groups delivering it remains very low. This mismatch defines the engagement challenge. Communities seek involvement and the teams serving them aim to provide it. What is often absent is the system to link both sides. That is the issue Open Point was created to solve."

About the research

The State of Engagement Report 2026 was created and run by Censuswide in March 2026. It polled 1002 adults aged 18 and older plus 552 professionals at organizations with 100 or more staff who hold decision roles in community or stakeholder engagement across North America.

About Open Point

Open Point is the sole engagement platform built for every stakeholder type helping organizations progress from input to insight to impact.

Via its community engagement and stakeholder relationship tools Open Point enables high-volume involvement while supporting open connected and responsible engagement so community and infrastructure work can move forward with assurance and trust.

SOURCE Open Point