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Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative: Ten Key Findings in 2024

Last updated:

26/02/2025

Publication Date:

24/02/2025

Content Type:

Policy Briefs

Introduction 

In October 2021, the Strong Cities Network launched a Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative to strengthen cooperation between mayors and other local elected officials, local governments and practitioners across Europe and North America in addressing rising levels of hate and intolerance and other increasingly shared threats to community safety and social cohesion. Building on the insights from Transatlantic Dialogues in 2022 and 2023, this policy brief shares ten key findings & recommendations from dialogues in 2024. It captures valuable lessons and perspectives of local leaders and city practitioners in addressing these challenges in a rapidly evolving threat environment. While social contexts and dynamics may differ, the complexity and evolving nature of contemporary challenges facing local governments, and cities more broadly, on either side of the Atlantic make the Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative a crucial platform for city-city learning.

This brief provides a summary of perspectives shared and discussions during the events and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Strong Cities Network Management Unit, Strong Cities members, event sponsors or participants.

Ten Findings & Recommendations

1. Cities remain on the frontlines of global crises and local leaders play a key role in addressing their impact effectively

In 2024, city officials on both sides of the Atlantic reported continued and, in many cases, escalating local impacts from successive, parallel and cascading global crises, from conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine to migration and urbanisation to rising hate and social polarisation. How to navigate the local impacts of these global crises was a key theme throughout our Transatlantic Dialogue events, and the focus of Strong Cities’ dedicated Global Crises, Local Impacts Initiative.

Cities recognised that their proximity to residents made them uniquely positioned to build trust, identify early warning signs and implement context-specific solutions that accommodate the diverse cultures and sensitivities in communities. Mayors and other local leaders on both sides of the Atlantic shared how they have been proactively facilitating safe spaces for dialogue in response to the conflict in the Middle East, using their convening power to bring together diverse groups to engage in difficult conversations and de-escalate tensions.

During the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, protests have been a common and consistent manifestation of divergent political perspectives and local impacts, with cities playing a key role in facilitating peaceful protest and ensuring that residents can make their voices heard. Cities noted the delicate balance they need to strike in protecting freedom of speech and ensuring each community’s safety while doing so. There was also broad agreement on the need to have clear strategies in place for managing protests that respect public safety and the right to peaceful assembly and which prioritise peaceful demonstration and de-escalation. Law enforcement officers responsible for managing protests should be regularly trained in de-escalation techniques and work with protest organisers to designate safe areas where protests can take place without jeopardising public safety. Many cities, such as the City of Columbus (Ohio, USA), have established a dedicated protest management unit responsible for maintaining communication between protest organisers, law enforcement and city officials, which can help articulate the City’s parameters for peaceful protest and manage expectations.

2. Cities should manage new arrivals to their cities through collaborative and comprehensive approaches to integration, while upholding the rule of law

Cities across Europe and North America also shared the challenges they face in balancing being a welcoming host for new arrivals to their cities and their responsibilities to existing residents, particularly in the context of rising levels of anti-migrant sentiment. In 2024, many city officials shared that providing housing and basic services for newcomers to their cities had become increasingly challenging due to resource strains, including wider housing shortages, exacerbating inter-communal tensions.

Through the Transatlantic Dialogue, cities shared how they are establishing new – or expanding existing – innovative programmes aimed at supporting the integration of migrants, while upholding the rule of law. Participants underscored the importance of these strategies being data-driven, providing communities with access to information and resources, and consistent with the principle of “do no harm”. To better address the needs of legal migrants, cities can consider following the example of the City of Bratislava (Slovakia), by establishing dedicated Support and Information Centres that serve as “one-stop-shops” for new arrivals, providing services related to housing, healthcare, legal aid and education. They can also consider establishing networks of ‘community navigators’ who can share information about legal aid, employment rights and city resources in native languages.

Local governments can establish task forces to review existing policies, suggest inclusive reforms and offer cultural competency training for city staff. To ensure equal access to information and services, cities can consider utilising multilingual communication channels and services and/or engaging civil society organisations, universities and diaspora communities, with a particular focus on ensuring that public health, education services and emergency alerts are accessible to new arrivals.

In December 2024, to provide cities with additional support in managing migration and related challenges, Strong Cities published a new policy brief with replicable city-led practices to address impacts on social cohesion while keeping in mind the importance of promoting the rule of law.

3. Engaging communities is crucial for building trust and addressing social divides

Consistent, meaningful engagement with residents from all parts of a city is crucial for building trust and addressing social divides. Cities that ensure all community voices are heard and reflected in policymaking are better equipped to maintain and strengthen social cohesion, foster a greater sense of belonging and connectedness, and establish a stronger city identity. Dialogue participants underscored the importance of mayors and other city leaders investing in building relationships with residents across the city in stable times, rather than only trying to engage them during times of crises, when tensions are high. Partnering with credible community-based organisations, cultural institutions and local sports clubs was also identified as good practice for building trust, as such partners often have greater credibility and influence within communities than local governments. Town hall meetings, neighbourhood visits and providing easily accessible lines of communication, in languages reflective of the needs of the different communities can all help residents feel seen and heard.

There was broad agreement that communities need to have a strong voice in the development of public policies and programmes that impact their lives, including public safety. The City of Los Angeles (California, United States), for example, conducts Community Safety Surveys to inform its safety policies, gathering input on how residents define and perceive public safety and asking what services the city should prioritise. Another innovative community engagement strategy run by the City of Reno (Nevada, United States) is the Reno Constituents Institute: a ten-week programme that helps residents learn about local government processes, educating them to become ‘city ambassadors’.

City governments can also implement policies that promote equal access to public services and public spaces. Ideally, these policies should be designed in consultation with the different communities within the city, ensuring specific needs are not overlooked. To gather data and to get support, cities can collaborate with civil society, community-based organisations, local institutions and, where relevant, multilateral organisations.

4. Collaboration across sectors and engaging a cross-section of city stakeholders as co-producers of public safety and social cohesion is essential for building trust and maintaining cohesion

Local leaders should be forging formal partnerships with different stakeholders across the city. Community-based organisations, businesses and academic institutions can all be engaged to co-design and implement local social or economic policies. This not only ensures that different local perspectives are included in the decision-making process, but it also helps to build trust and establish relationships with different communities across the city.

Such a collaborative approach, which emphasises the importance of reflecting the lived experiences of residents and communities in city policies and programmes, can enhance the effectiveness of prevention initiatives and ensure they are culturally-sensitive and community-focused.

An example from the City of Columbus (Ohio, United States) – the “Columbus Way” – involves partnerships between local government, businesses, community-based organisations and academic institutions to co-design and implement city-wide strategies for addressing hate, violent extremism and polarisation. This approach ensures each sector contributes to collective resilience through initiatives such as economic development and public safety. Similarly, the City of Rochester (New York, United States) prioritises dedicated city-led trust-building and strategic communications efforts that involve actors from across city government departments, community-based organisations, law enforcement and the private sector. This collaboration has improved information sharing and public service provision, and enhanced understanding among local populations during periods of heightened tension.

5. Online harms are a growing threat. Cities should support local efforts aimed at strengthening digital literacy.

In 2024, rising levels of hate continued to fuel polarisation and undermine social cohesion in many European and North American cities. In a global context in which the on- and offline realms increasingly converge, city representatives expressed concern about the impact of online threats in driving real-world harms. In Transatlantic Dialogue events, participants agreed that cities can contribute to strengthening community resilience, including in the online domain, by ensuring that the offline space offers people community and connectedness, while giving residents the skills to navigate the digital world safely.

Cities are well placed to prioritise digital literacy initiatives within their communities. Schools are a key starting point for fostering digital literacy among younger generations. Media literacy should be included in the school curriculum to teach students how to critically evaluate online content and understand the risks associated with hate speech and radicalisation online. For example, in Vancouver and other cities across British Columbia, the Foundation for a Path Forward offers online harms workshops for young students and connects city officials to school boards to ensure that legislative measures to reduce harmful content are complemented with direct community engagement.

Cities can also offer digital safety classes for parents and guardians, teaching them how to set up parental controls, monitor online activity and talk to their children about the online world and cyber-bullying. Organising training programmes for senior residents – including by working with libraries and community centres – and city officials on addressing online harms may also be desirable.

Many cities also have strong online presences, which can be leveraged to foster social cohesion, connectedness and share accurate information for residents. For example, cities can run social media campaigns and use public platforms like city radio and posters to communicate with residents, facilitate access to services and counter false narratives.

In both cases, the plan’s development was preceded and informed by a comprehensive citywide mapping and consultation exercise to determine the needs of the city’s diverse migrant and refugee communities, as well as to understand general sentiment about migration.

6. Cities should integrate trauma-informed care and mental health services into prevention approaches

Individuals and communities targeted or otherwise affected by hate and violent extremism often experience significant psychological and emotional distress, which can impact their well-being and sense of belonging. Similarly, individuals susceptible to violent extremist narratives may also require support. To address these challenges, trauma-informed mental health services can play a vital role in strengthening community resilience, fostering social cohesion and tackling the underlying factors that contribute to division and alienation. By integrating accessible and community-centred mental health support into prevention strategies, local governments can provide individuals with the tools to heal, rebuild trust and engage positively in society. Such initiatives not only support those directly impacted but also contribute to broader efforts to create peaceful communities.

To do so, city governments should work with educators, social workers, mental health professionals, law enforcement and community leaders. Organising training on identifying and addressing mental health needs in their communities can help cities become prepared for incidents when they occur.

Furthermore, cities should ensure trauma response systems are in place to provide long-term psychological and community support for victims of hate or violent extremism. They should partner with healthcare providers, schools and community-based organisations to offer mental health counselling and trauma-informed care. In Lviv (Ukraine), for example, the local government is supporting the long-term rehabilitation of war victims through the Unbroken Initiative, an ecosystem to provide soldiers with surgeries, rehabilitation and psychological support. The initiative is being supported by other Mayors in the Strong Cities Network.

7. Urban design and planning can be leveraged by cities as tools to promote tolerance, increase public safety and build social cohesion

Local governments can also use urban planning and design to enhance levels of tolerance in the city, as highlighted in Strong Cities’ December 2024 policy brief on the role of urban planning in strengthening social cohesion. Creating shared spaces where communities from across the city can interact, and engaging residents in urban planning processes to create public spaces that foster engagement and interaction can contribute to reducing social divides. Urban planning that creates shared public spaces can strengthen community bonds and reduce the appeal of hateful and violent extremist ideologies. City officials from Europe and North America have shared various examples of parks and public squares redesigned to encourage community gatherings and reduce social polarisation.

For example, the City of Boise (Idaho, United States) addressed concerns over rapid urban growth and a growing migrant population by adopting a new zoning code for the first time in 70 years. The code promotes fair housing, economic opportunity and inclusive communities while preventing displacement. The city prioritised social cohesion, green spaces, small businesses and subsidised childcare, creating neighbourhood hubs shaped by residents. This approach is building trust between residents and local government and improving public spaces through community-driven urban planning.

Urban planning can also help to combat economic disparities and promote city-wide growth. Participants in the 2024 transatlantic dialogues identified urban planning as a key driver of economic development, particularly in underserved neighbourhoods. Hence, urban planning departments may consider partnering with local businesses to revitalise downtown areas, creating jobs and attracting investment. Participants also underscored the importance of urban planning for improving community safety and reducing the risk of hate crimes, bias incidents and violent extremism: urban design strategies such as improved street lighting, open public spaces and community policing hubs may help to deter crime and foster a sense of safety. In Weissenfels (Germany), the city has created an office for social spaces to make public spaces accessible to all residents. Similarly, the City of Newark (New Jersey, United States) uses urban planning approaches to create a better sense of community, for example, by providing public spaces for local artists to develop art installations and small businesses to sell their products at pop-up local markets. Newark is also using improved urban design to address the housing needs of new arrivals to the city.

Through the Transatlantic Dialogue and Global Crises, Local Impacts Initiatives, participants shared how urban planning and design can be leveraged as a mechanism through which cities can build resilience to global crises, including climate change, migration and social unrest, and infrastructure that supports emergency response during crises, for example shelters or community resource centres.

8. Cities should invest in developing coherent crisis communication strategies to manage emergencies effectively

The importance of having in place a clear, proactive and inclusive city communications strategy has proven essential for managing crises, countering false narratives and maintaining public trust. Whether in response to protests linked to global crises, hate incidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks, cities should have in place – and have rehearsed – a crisis communication plan with specific protocols for different types of emergencies. The plan should include key messaging, communication channels, clearly defined roles and responsibilities and guidelines for when and how to engage with the media and residents. Following incidents, local governments should also ensure that communication is transparent and addresses the immediate and long-term needs of victims and their families. This should also include a focus on de-escalating tensions within and between communities, and between residents and local authorities. Communication strategies should be centred around fostering unity and promoting tolerance.

In order to communicate effectively during a crisis, city representatives have emphasised the importance of consistent and regular communications with residents, such as hosting town hall meetings to update them on city efforts, the use of multilingual and multichannel outreach to ensure wide reach and platforms and mechanisms to enable the city to actively listen to residents’ concerns. To deliver stronger and more credible messaging during a crisis, cities should proactively engage community and faith leaders and representatives of community organisations as trusted intermediaries to help disseminate messages, share community concerns and needs and de-escalate tensions. These local leaders often have direct connections to their communities and can help clarify the city’s response when protests or hate incidents occur.

9. National-local cooperation is crucial: national stakeholders should embrace, empower and equip cities as key partners in prevention

While in many cases cities have the best understanding of local challenges and solutions, they often lack the resources to address these issues. Therefore, they heavily rely on the support of higher levels of government. Central authorities should provide funding, training and policy support to empower local leaders to better equip local governments to face challenges.

They should allocate resources to support city-led prevention initiatives and ensure flexibility in how cities can use these funds to meet local needs. Central governments can play a role in fostering cooperation among law enforcement, local businesses, social and health services and community organisations to create integrated prevention strategies.

National governments should involve local perspectives in prevention policies, share information with local actors and provide resources to support city-led programmes. It is also recommended that national-local cooperation (NLC) between these two levels is strengthened, which can be done by establishing sustainable mechanisms that improve two-way information sharing.

10. City-to-city networks are vital. Transatlantic peer-learning helps cities navigate shared challenges

Repeatedly, participants emphasised the importance of expanding city-city learning and collaboration between local governments at the national, regional and international levels, both in terms of understanding and addressing transnational challenges, but also for building cities’ capacities through the exchange of approaches and innovations for addressing the rapidly evolving local impacts of the increasingly global nature of the contemporary threat ecosystem that is fuelled by, inter alia, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and escalating distrust in governments and between communities. Participants highlighted how divisive, often violent, narratives and external influences can disrupt community cohesion, and rather than solely relying on national governments, cities can help each other, especially in politically precarious environments. Expanding city-to-city cooperation helps to leverage collective expertise and resources, while at the same time city networks and partnerships help to amplify the voices of local leaders in addressing global challenges.

This shared reality underscores Strong Cities’ crucial role in facilitating dialogue, informing and inspiring efforts and co-designing solutions that draw on different perspectives and reflect local realities. By fostering these transatlantic connections, the Network empowers cities to address these challenges collaboratively and effectively.

In 2025, Strong Cities’ 10^th Anniversary Year, the Network will continue to prioritise transatlantic learning and exchange, applying the insights gained from dialogues and tracking and sharing implementation impacts and lessons learned from the many promising city-led practices highlighted through the Dialogue.

Resources 

Transatlantic Key Findings Series

• Strong Cities Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative: Ten Key Findings & Recommendations from 2023 (March 2024)
• Strong Cities Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative: Ten Key Findings & Recommendations from 2022 (January 2023)

Transatlantic Key Findings Series

• Fifth Global Summit: Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative (December 2024)
• Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative: City Leadership in Maintaining Social Cohesion Amid Global Crises Learning from ‘The Columbus Way’ and Other City-Led Approaches in Europe and North America (October 2024)
• Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative: City-Led Strategies for Strengthening Community Resilience to Extremist Violence and Hate (July 2024)
• Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative: Elevating the Role of French Cities in Preventing Hate, Violent Extremism and Polarisation, Strengthening Social Cohesion and Safeguarding Local Democracy (May 2024)
• Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative: Maintaining Community Cohesion amid Global Crises — The Role of Mayors and Cities (March 2024)
• Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative: Building Community Cohesion & Strengthening Democracy in Cities – A Roundtable with European and US Mayors (January 2024)

Relevant Policy Briefs

• Managing Migration: City-Led Approaches for Being an Inclusive, Welcoming and Socially-Cohesive City, Strong Cities Network (December 2024)
• Countering Hate Speech in Times of Crisis: Considerations for Mayors and Local Governments, Strong Cities Network (December 2024)
• City-Led Prevention of Hate, Extremism and Polarisation: Leveraging Local Youth Councils, Strong Cities Network (December 2024)
• City-Led Youth Engagement in Addressing Hate, Extremism and Polarisation: Ten Recommendations for Cities, Strong Cities Network (December 2024)
• Creating Safe, Cohesive and Resilient Cities through Urban Planning & Design: Ten Considerations for Mayors and Local Governments, Strong Cities Network (December 2024)
• National-Local Cooperation: A Pillar of City-Led Prevention of Hate, Extremism and Polarisation – A Practice Update, Strong Cities Network (December 2024)

Additional Resources

• A Guide for Mayors: Preventing and Responding to Hate, Extremism and Polarisation, Strong Cities Network (September 2023)
• A Guide for Cities: Preventing Hate, Extremism and Polarisation, Strong Cities Network (September 2023)
• Implementation Toolkit to Facilitate the Implementation of the GCTF Good Practices for National-Local Cooperation in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, Strong Cities Network (September 2023)
• A 10-Step Roadmap for Enhancing City-Led Support for Community-Based Programmes to Address Hate and Extremism, Strong Cities Network (June 2023)
• A Guide for City-Led Response, Strong Cities Network (March 2023)
• City Spotlights Library, Strong Cities Network
• Global Crises, Local Impacts Initiative, Strong Cities Network

Contact Information

For more information on the Strong Cities Network Transatlantic Dialogue Initiative, please contact the Strong Cities Management Unit at [email protected].

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