About the Guide

Why Inclusive Engagement Matters

City departments work on a variety of projects that address specific issues, achieve particular goals, or implement policies. Through inclusive public participation, the public can become better aware of and/or provide input on these projects to share their perspective on how decisions can best reflect their needs and values.

Historically, the City has experienced challenges in garnering broad and continuous participation from people who are representative of the city’s demographic diversity. Additionally, some community members have noted barriers that prevent them from meaningfully engaging.

Through inclusive public participation, the City can reduce barriers to engagement, listen and act on community feedback, and make decisions that are better informed by public input. Effective public engagement can lead to better and more sustainable decisions and outcomes as well as improved relationships with the public. Consistent use of the Guide will also allow the City to reduce operational inefficiencies that arise without a consistent public engagement process.

While the public may not agree with every decision the City makes, through inclusive public engagement, people can better understand and respect the process by which decisions are made, even if they do not agree with every part of the decision itself.

Learn about engagement principles