There is a growing understanding that the design of our communities impacts levels of trust and participation. Now is the time to leverage this new knowledge in response to declining civic engagement. After all, informed, engaged residents create strong communities, and strong communities are fundamental to a strong democracy. The Center for Active Design, with funding from the Knight Foundation, is pioneering Assembly, an examination of how design impacts civic life. This session will introduce the state of engagement and Assembly’s illuminating research, and will explore innovative approaches utilizing design to mobilize residents and reinvigorate the public realm.