The CEO’s Case for Local Civic Engagement

What It Is: A 2026 BCG article, based on interviews with over 35 CEOs, senior executives, and community leaders, mapping a five-level spectrum of local civic engagement — from initial policies like volunteer time off to full civic leadership — and outlining five steps for CEOs to structure it as a source of competitive advantage rather than discretionary giving. 

Why It Matters: BCG's Trust Index research shows the most trusted companies generate roughly 2.5 times more value creation than market-average firms — and in the current environment of distrust, companies that show up for their local communities build exactly that kind of credibility. The case is concrete: Michelin's partnership with 50+ organizations transformed a shuttered factory site in Clermont-Ferrand into a €300 million innovation district, while Shipt's LadderUp Accelerator has awarded $1.3 million in grants enabling 2.3 million meals for food-insecure families. 

How to Use It: BCG's five steps for effective civic engagement distill to three: pick a specific, sustained focus area rather than spreading effort thin; contribute expertise and ecosystem relationships, not just funding; and build governance and measurement into the effort from the start so it survives leadership changes and budget cycles. Use our Principled Influence Guide when formalizing civic engagement to ensure it is consistent with your Public Affairs Purposes and Priorities.