September 17th, 2026 | 9am-3pm | School of Government | Price: $225

Registration will close on 9/09/2026.

This interactive, in-person course is designed for local elected officials and government professionals who want to strengthen community participation in local government processes.

Do you want residents to participate more actively in local government? Are you concerned that members of your community feel disengaged, or that community engagement is limited to the minimum requirements of the Open Meetings Law?

This course explores why meaningful community engagement is vital to effective governance and a healthy democracy. Residents often judge the value of government based on what they see, experience, and have an opportunity to influence. Local elected officials and staff can create more inviting and accessible opportunities for participation by using practical strategies that make engagement manageable and meaningful.

Participants will learn:

• How to assess their community’s civic ecosystem
• The differences between community engagement and public participation
• Strategies for engaging residents in policymaking and service delivery
• Ways to use advisory boards, committees, public agencies, and elected officials to support engagement
• How electronic tools can strengthen community engagement
• Resources and approaches that can be adapted for communities with limited capacity or funding

There are no specific attendance requirements for this program. Please contact Registration & Client Services if you cannot attend to cancel your registration. Our cancellation policy is linked below.

There are no pre-requisites to register for this program.

The School of Government is grateful to offer a number of scholarship and discount opportunities for public officials who wish to participate in our continuing education programs. Scholarships and discounts are available both internally through the School and through the generous support of partnering organizations. Learn more about the range of these opportunities on our Scholarship and Discount Opportunities page.

Parking details will be provided to you the week prior to the program. Additional directions and parking information can be found on our Visitor Information page.

Course participants who cancel their registration more than 7 calendar days before the course start date will receive a full refund. Otherwise, participants will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. More information can be found in the full cancellation and refund policy.