Public Engagement

Inclusive public engagement is key to building trust, equity, and stronger communities.

Across California, local governments are seeing the benefits of broadening participation — from more informed decisions to deeper community relationships. The Institute for Local Government supports these efforts with practical tools to help agencies plan and implement inclusive strategies. From engagement basics to issue-specific topics, these resources help local leaders move beyond “the usual voices” and reflect the true diversity of their communities.

Inclusive Public Engagement

Local governments throughout California have experienced a variety of benefits thanks to inclusive public engagement. ILG provides tipsheets and…

Guide for local government engagement: Think, Initiate, Engage, Review, Shift, illustrated with icons.

T.I.E.R.S. Public Engagement Framework

The Institute for Local Government has developed a five pillar framework any local government can use to plan and execute public engagement efforts.

Technology and Public Input

A growing number of local agencies are experimenting with different kinds of technology to enhance their public meetings or workshops. Their goals may be to broaden participation, accelerate progress on decision making or create a “safe space” for feedback on contentious issues. Some are especially excited about online public participation software. These articles and tip sheets are intended to help local officials both select and implement these tools in a way that may help more fully achieve the goal of more inclusive participation.

Social Media Strategies

Community members of all ages and backgrounds are increasing their use of social media tools as a way to connect to each other and the issues they care about. Not surprisingly, cities and counties are also increasing their use of these communications channels to reach residents. These articles and tip sheets can help local governments navigate the operational and policy issues that may come up while pursuing this approach to community outreach and engagement.

Sustaining Public Engagement – Best Practices and Resources

Publications, best practices, reports and other resources to help counties and cities sustain public engagement in local governance over time.

Immigrant Engagement and Integration

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.