Getting Started in Public Engagement

In this section you will find resources that explain what public engagement is, why it can be beneficial, key questions to consider, overall principles and others.

What Is Public Engagement and Why Do It?

This publication has information to help local officials better understand how to get residents involved.

Guide on strategic communication for public engagement by the Institute for Local Government, outlining a 3-step process.

Effective Public Engagement through Strategic Communication

Strategic communication is an essential tool for effective public engagement.
This tip sheet offers advice on communication strategies before, during…

Overview of local government public engagement: passive, active, sustaining. Describes benefits like improved services and trust.

Three Orientations of Local Government Public Engagement: Passive – Active – Sustaining

A tip sheet to help local officials and their communities consider strategies to develop and sustain a capacity for public engagement as a part of local governance.

Principles of Local Government Public Engagement

Ten principles that can serve as helpful indicators of effective and ethical public engagement practices, as well as guide city, county and other…

It's a guide titled "Working with Public Engagement Consultants: Tips for Local Officials" by the Institute for Local Government.

Working Effectively with Public Engagement Consultants: Tips for Local Officials

This tip sheet offers recommendations to help guide local officials in the best use of public engagement consultants.

Guide for local officials on planning public engagement with key questions about issues, resources, leadership, and community inclusion.

Planning Public Engagement: Key Questions for Local Officials

Key questions for local officials to ask to increase the appropriateness and effectiveness of their public engagement efforts.

Brochure on increasing access to public meetings/events for people with disabilities, including guidelines and definitions.

Increasing Access to Public Meetings and Events for People with Disabilities

This tip sheet outlines general guidelines for increasing access to local government meetings and events for people with disabilities. It includes…