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Inclusive Public Engagement Guide

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Implementing Public Engagement

Working with Council Offices

About Council Offices

Each councilmember represents the interests of their respective council districts and has an office supported by staff members who represent the councilmember, liaise with community members and advise on various policy issues.

Role of Council Offices in Public Participation

Council offices have established relationships with neighborhood organizations and community leaders in their district and can help with information-sharing. Council offices maintain community-specific email lists and newsletters that they use to relay important news and updates to their constituents, which can broaden project outreach. Council staff may also be able to provide valuable community insights that can inform projects, while helping to facilitate engagement from their constituents.

Ways to Work with Council Offices

City staff should work with Council offices during key stages of project development (e.g. stakeholder identification), particularly when a project involves a specific council district or aligns with a councilmember's interests. Work with Council offices by following any communication protocols set by the department. Typical contacts from Council offices who can help share public engagement opportunities include the Communications/Digital Director, Community Engagement Director and Community Representatives. Staff may consider: 

  • Sharing opportunities for a councilmember(s) to participate in a public engagement event, especially if it takes place in their district or the topic falls within their interest area.
  • Asking Council offices to spread the word during the public engagement implementation phase. Provide Council staff advance notice of any public engagement events in the Councilmember’s district so they can help share the word with constituents.
  • Consulting the Legislative Calendar and Docket Closing Calendar (City staff only) to coordinate briefings with the Council offices to ensure that Councilmembers have ample time to review and respond to relevant proposals or information prior to public hearings. Each City Council Committee has a specific area of responsibility.
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