Enhancing Public Participation

Local agencies inform, consult or deliberate with the greater community in a variety of ways. Resources in this section provide decision makers information on how to enhance their public engagement efforts.

For officials interested in understanding the options and opportunities associated with broadening and deepening their public engagement activities, please check out the Institute’s resources on public engagement.

Making Your Open Public Meetings More Effective

This tip sheet outlines the basics of California’s open meeting laws as well as tips for both local officials and the public to help ensure a successful meeting.

A city hall building with tall columns and a clock tower under a clear blue sky.

Promoting Effective Public Participation at Governing Body Meetings: Opportunities to Deepen Public Participation and Trust

This publication offers suggestions for improving the process of successfully receiving public input at regular local agency meetings.

Guide on handling public engagement challenges, participant info, process design, transparency, and managing challenging behaviors.

Deeply Held Concerns and Other Challenges to Public Engagement Processes

This tip sheet offers ideas for the planning and delivery of public engagement activities when participants’ deeply held views and values make…

Dealing With a Grandstander

This article analyzes the ethical issues associated with grandstanding and offers tips for dealing with grandstanders.

Dealing with Emotional Audiences

This article provides strategies that leaders can employ to maximize the likelihood that public meetings on controversial issues will involve constructive exchanges that contribute to the best decision being made.
Additionally, a piece from the Orange County Human Relations Commission is available, “Free Speech vs Hate Speech: Practical Guidelines for Managing Public Forums.”

The Basics of Public Engagement

Information and resources about the “basics” of public engagement benefits, principles, design, and other related topics to help local and regional agencies successfully involve residents and others in local public decision-making.