Bureaucracy can often stand in the way of meaningful connections between communities and the institutions that serve them. But what if there was a way to bridge that gap?With Adrienne Lever, Director of the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit in New York City (US), we discussed how we can humanize government and build stronger communities, sharing insights on effective approaches to community outreach and its vital role in ensuring access to resources. We also explore the delicate balance between embracing innovation and safeguarding responsible practices within government initiatives.