How to run for municipal office

Take action in your community. Lead change from the ground up.

Running for municipal office is one of the most effective ways to make real change in your community. Local leaders shape policies, services, and everyday life from safer streets to stronger schools.

Find out how your leadership can drive progress for your neighbors.

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How to run for municipal office: Download our essentials checklist

Download the municipal campaign checklist

Get step-by-step guidance with our free municipal campaign essentials checklist. From setting up your fundraising infrastructure to defining your message, this downloadable resource walks you through:

  • Legal foundations & compliance
  • Essential fundraising setup
  • Building your team and database
  • Crafting your message and content
  • Community engagement & volunteer coordination
  • Direct voter contact and get-out-the-vote strategies

Check off tasks as you go and track your progress to ensure no milestone is missed.

Start with a clear plan

Successful campaigns begin with structure. NationBuilder can equip your campaign with: 

  • Grassroots fundraising and payment processing
  • Event and volunteer management
  • Email, text, and MMS strategies for your voters
  • Field efforts with up to 5,000 contacts and 50,000 registered voters
  • And much more!

The campaign-exclusive Run for Office plan provides six months of full access to NationBuilder Pro for $365.

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Jay Godfrey
"Sometimes the best leaders and the best candidates are people who've never seen themselves as either."

Jay Godfrey President Run for Office

Why municipal campaigns matter

Your city or town is the place where policy meets everyday life. By running for office, you can:

  • Shape local priorities and budgets
  • Strengthen civic engagement
  • Represent underheard voices
  • Drive meaningful community change

Even small campaigns can have outsized effects, inspiring others to get involved and shaping the local political landscape for years to come.

Learn from others

Draw inspiration from candidates who’ve successfully run for local office:

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Access external resources

Understanding deadlines, filing requirements, and campaign regulations is key. Get equipped with what you need:

Take the first step

Whether you’re just exploring the idea or ready to launch your campaign, NationBuilder gives you the tools to plan, organize, and grow your municipal campaign.