January 7, 2026

A New Year, A New Conversation


The turn of the calendar often brings bold resolutions and ambitious plans.

Welcome to Democracy Runs on Dialogue™


In local leadership, experience teaches a quieter truth. Progress rarely begins with answers. It begins with better questions, asked together. That belief sits at the heart of Democracy Runs on Dialogue™, my new Substack created to explore the human work of leading and governing together.


This space is an outlet for exploring the questions, tensions, and patterns that surface in real-world leadership and governance. Some posts will unpack practices and frameworks drawn from facilitation and strategic planning. Others will linger with a question, a moment of uncertainty, or a point of friction that feels worth sitting with a little longer.

This isn’t a series to keep up with. It’s a conversation to return to.


Join the conversation. Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.




Connect with Matt:


A Year-End Message from Matt Lehrman
By Matt Lehrman December 8, 2025
Insights from the October Local Leadership Chat.
Calling Local Leaders: Be a Guest on Community Catalysts
By Matt Lehrman December 2, 2025
Calling Local Leaders: Be a Guest on Community Catalysts with host Matt Lehrman of Social Prosperity Partners.
Our shared purpose by Matt Lehrman of Social Prosperity Partners
By Matt Lehrman November 19, 2025
Reflecting on Our Shared Purpose, we pause to honor community leaders and thank you as Community Catalysts takes a short holiday break.
More Posts