This feature of ILG’s Public Engagement E-news offers new and useful information and resources about public engagement theory, innovations and practices from sources throughout the United States and sometimes beyond.

Participatory Budgeting 2014 in Vallejo

In 2012, the City of Vallejo approved participatory budgeting city-wide and engaged Vallejo citizens to help decide how to spend a portion of the city’s budget. Twelve public projects were created and approved.  Now in 2014 the City is gearing up for a second participatory budgeting effort.  Find details at the city’s website here.

City of Alexandria Reaches out to Develop their Public Engagement Strategies

Through what is called “What’s Next Alexandria” the City of Alexandria, Virginia involved the community through face to face meetings as well as online to help develop the principles and strategies that will guide that city’s public engagement and planning. The have also produced a Civic Engagement Handbook to support these efforts. Find out the details on the city’s website here.

Portland Hiring a Public Involvement Best Practices Coordinator

The City of Portland is hiring a new staff position, the Public Involvement Best Practices Coordinator, within its Office of Neighborhood Involvement.  This position is interesting in itself and also as a sign of that city’s continuing success in embedding public engagement in local governance. The individual hired will be responsible for developing and coordinating the City’s Public Involvement and Best Practices Program, and also for supporting Portland’s Public Involvement Advisory Council (PIAC). Click here for position information. Learn more about Portland’s Public Involvement Advisory Council.

Check out the Journal of Public Deliberation

For those with a deep interest in public engagement and deliberation, this is a good, accessible and free  online journal that addresses deliberative democracy, of which public engagement is an important part. Find out more.