This paper explores the area of civic participation and engagement and how it can be improved, particularly at the local level. The intent is to better understand what empowers and inspires people in engagement, and what barriers they may face, so we can build bridges to getting more people involved in more impactful ways. The study is rooted in an extensive survey of engagement literature, resources and contemporary thinking, along with interviews with subject matter experts and engagement observation. Part One delves into current contexts and challenges and how they impact—and may be remedied through—better engagement. Part Two explores the meaning of engagement, tackling different perspectives and emerging themes and practices. In order to better understand how to better enable local participation, Part Three examines five levels of barriers and then highlights a wide range of benefits that can arise out of authentic engagement practices. Using fresh insights from this enquiry, Part Four proposes several innovative tools for consideration, development and testing. The hope is that these tools might help practitioners and changemakers create and deliver more powerful engagement toward thriving communities and cities.