Renovating and strengthening public institutions

Trust in major U.S. institutions such as government, media, religion and the legal system is rapidly declining, as many feel these systems no longer serve everyone effectively. While universities are not immune, they remain among the most trusted public institutions.

The University of Washington and its peers are well-positioned to reimagine what today’s public institutions—school districts, local governments, libraries and health and social services—must become to improve quality of life. We not only study what makes institutions effective, but also develop practical solutions that help communities, policies and systems deliver results.

The UW will rebuild a culture of trust in public life by sharing research, tools and practices that help institutions become more accessible places for democratic practices and problem-solving—in turn, strengthening civic values and culture. From meaningful ways of measuring a community’s civic health to research on everything from wildfire prevention to food safety, we will help policymakers and institutions better engage communities in meaningful decision-making and problem-solving.

Strengthening civic engagement requires both expanding pathways for participation and ensuring institutions are responsive, which is made possible when people believe in and contribute to the public good. Together with our partners, the UW will help restore trust in each other, our communities and the institutions that shape our shared future, moving us closer to our highest aspirations for civic health and justice.

Impact in action

The University of Washington has a number of current programs that are supporting trust-building efforts in each other and our public institutions. These programs include, but are not limited to, the following: