From the leading edge to the local edge
When social trust is higher: Economies do better. Innovation and entrepreneurship flourish. Volunteer participation is higher. Voting rates are higher. Support for climate policies is stronger. And traffic accidents are actually lower.
The value of Trust Here lies not only in what it measures but in what it makes possible. Higher levels of social trust lead to healthier communities, stronger economies, safer streets, better schools, and more resilient democracies. Lower levels accelerate polarization, weaken institutions, and open the door to authoritarianism.
Most players measure trust on an abstract, higher level – across nations or regions. Trust Here departs from this tradition by insisting that trust is an asset of place. It varies dramatically not just between countries, but between blocks, wards, and neighborhoods.
By constructing fine-grained “trust profiles” at the local level, we allow city managers, policymakers, community organizations, and frontline workers to see exactly where mistrust concentrates and where small interventions can produce outsized effects.
Trust Here shows us where it matters, why it matters, and—most importantly—how to build it. In doing so, it transforms trust from an elusive abstraction into a practical, place-based strategy for collective flourishing. That is what makes it different. That is why it matters now.
Real world efforts for building social trust must be place-based. Cities are where the greatest opportunities exist for acting on social trust.
Ric Young, Founder, Trust Here
Building a learning platform and community for collaboration across cities
We are not only developing a solution addressing social trust at the local level. We are also building a platform where users get access to a network of likeminded people. Trust Here aims to facilitate interactions between a large number of players, forming long-term relationships across social mobilization.
We connect city managers and civic stakeholders with one another, and take it serious to further evolve how likeminded people can meet, take inspiration and learn from one another. We consider our platform an ongoing learning platform where we together, learn the critical aspects of social trust as well as building a network connector where we can get to know and help one another.
Trust Here is about making a difference. The difference social trust can make in your community, your city.
Ric Young, Founder, Trust Here
Beyond Institutions: Trust as a Commons
Trust Here treats trust as a commons, a collective asset that varies by place and delivers benefits even to those who did not personally “contribute” to it. This allows trust to be seen not as a personal attitude or institutional scorecard, but as a shared condition requiring collective stewardship.
We are not only developing a solution addressing social trust at the local level. We are also building a platform where users get access to a network of likeminded people. Trust Here aims to facilitate interactions between a large number of players, forming long-term relationships across social mobilization.
We connect city managers and civic stakeholders with one another, and take it serious to further evolve how likeminded people can meet, take inspiration and learn from one another. We consider our platform an ongoing learning platform where we together, learn the critical aspects of social trust, as well as building a network connector where we can get to know and help one another.
We believe in the power of communities. Because everyone becomes more impactful than anyone.
All of us at Trust Here
Get Started
These are some key areas you should think about to get started with setting social trust on the agenda.
Learn, then plan.
Learn the basics on social trust, what it can do for your city, and share your knowledge with anyone you believe will be important for the success of addressing social trust in your city. We can guide you to develop guidance and support material for this process. You might find that this report from BCG Henderson on “Vibrant Cities are Built on Trust” can give you some ideas.
Lead with data.
Capturing real life data and measuring results based on these, needs to become key to how you manage your city. This means you can gain insight over time about what really takes place. We can help you with strengthening local monitoring, developing a local index of social connection and collect more and better data.
Equip local leaders.
Define the key civic stakeholders in your city that could become champions. Prioritize those who are already a part of your city’s local frontline network, and know your local communities well. We can help you train them, how to raise awareness through local campaigns and creating a unified narrative to build a movement.
Higher levels of trust can dramatically increase the efficiency of a city’s projects and policies.
BCG Henderson Institute
“Vibrant Cities are Built on Trust” Report
Contact Us
We are as ambitious about addressing social trust as the world has been on addressing climate change. If you believe increasing social trust is paramount in this day and age, you have come to the right place. Get in touch with us to find out how we can work together on this big task.
