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.

Research, resources and case stories to help ensure that participation in public engagement efforts more fully reflect the demographics of your community.
This includes information about ways to work with community partners to engage a broader cross section of the community, including youth and immigrant residents, as well as how to work more effectively with clergy and congregations.

Resources and case stories to help local officials in California successfully engage and integrate immigrant residents into the civic and public life of their communities. Also see information about pathways for legal permanent residents to achieve U.S. citizenship, and strategies for local officials to support these citizenship efforts and to engage new citizens in their community.

Resources and case stories to help facilitate partnerships between local governments and community based organizations. Community-based organizations can offer unique and important insights into the challenges and opportunities facing residents in their area and can help local officials improve their ability to communicate and connect with a wide range of community members.

The benefits of sustained, effective and inclusive public engagement are significant. However, investing time to understand what works and what might (or can) be improved is challenging. Here you will find resources to help measure success in your own community, examples of how ILG is evaluating our Public Engagement Program’s efforts and ideas for sustaining public engagement work.