CHARLOTTE, NC – August 18, 2025 – Civility Localized, Charlotte-based consulting firm specializing in equitable and impactful community engagement, today announced its acquisition of On The Ground Consulting, Raleigh-based firm founded by Sara Ellis in 2022. This strategic merger expands Civility Localized's reach and resources, strengthening its commitment to fostering community-led initiatives across North Carolina.

Christine Edwards Pitkin, Founder and Principal Consultant of Civility Localized, stated, "This acquisition allows us to continue providing exceptional community engagement services with even greater reach and resources. We are committed to upholding the high standards Raleigh has come to expect, maintaining the integrity of On The Ground Consulting’s authentic approach, and recruiting local talent in the Triangle area."

This partnership is a huge win for communities in the Triangle area. It allows us to expand our reach and offer a more robust set of community engagement tools, from stakeholder facilitation to civic advocacy training and now door to door canvassing. We’re excited to bring our engagement-first approach to a new region and help more communities grow with dignity.

Civility Localized will integrate all community engagement consulting services under its brand, building on On The Ground Consulting's established connections through their door-to-door canvassing service and successful Raleigh-based projects such as the Oaks and Spokes Transportation Refugee Outreach and the Lake Wheeler Road Improvement Project.