Elected officials make decisions as representatives of
their communities. However, they also play a role in bringing the
public’s voice to the decision-making process. To assist
local agency officials and staff with this task, the Institute
offers a variety of resources
relating to the whys and hows of
public engagement practices.
Ten principles that can serve as helpful indicators of
effective and ethical public engagement practices, as well as
guide city, county and other local officials in the design of
public engagement processes and strategies.
A set of public engagement terms and definitions to help draw
important distinctions among the various ways that residents can
become involved. Understanding these differences will help local
officials “fit” the best approach (or approaches) to the issue,
policy or controversy at hand.
The slides (attached at right) were presented to local officials
new to local public service. Materials and resources aim to
help an agency clarify its public engagement purposes, identify
who an agency wants to reach and involve, and choose the public
engagement approach that best fits its purpose and participation
goals.
Staff, do you need help with orientation materials? Check out ILG’s carefully selected resources for newly elected officials on core local government concepts.
