Public trust in government is at near-historic lows in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center. Only 18 percent of Americans believe that they can trust the federal government to do what is right "just about always" (3 percent) or "most of the time" (15 percent). Although politics does play a role in public trust in government institutions, agencies and departments can build public trust by improving citizen interactions with everyday programs and services, such as paying taxes and renewing a driver's license.

For governments looking to build trust by becoming more "citizen-centric," improving the experience of receiving government services is one meaningful way to improve citizen satisfaction. "Services are ... critical in shaping trust in and perceptions of the public sector. Citizens today expect more transparent, accessible, and responsive services from the public sector," finds a report from McKinsey & Company on government agencies implementing a citizen-centric approach.

By reducing or eliminating administrative overhead and following suit from the private sector on how to streamline processes, local, state, and federal government agencies can more efficiently provide their constituents with more accessible, effective services.

Across sectors, industries are seeking to drive better customer experiences through digital transformation. In order to build trust and best serve citizens, governments must employ similar strategies.