Although city and county elected officials frequently hear from their constituents, officials and citizens often do not fully understand how public participation occurs and how it informs decision making by municipal and county boards.

This book, part of the Local Government Board Builders series, offers ideas for engaging the public, assesses the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of participation mechanisms, and provides guidance for better public outreach. It also discusses ways of developing long-term community participation. 

See the Local Government Board Builders Series webpage for other books in the series and related School of Government publications. 

This publication is available in print and as an eBook. eBooks can be downloaded and read on your desktop, laptop, and/or a variety of mobile devices with an e-reader application. eBooks are only licensed for use by one individual and cannot be shared. For more information about ebooks, click here. To purchase the eBook version of this publication, click here. 

"This guide contains useful and practical information advising elected officials to encourage public participation at board meetings. Getting buy-in from the majority of the public is essential to the democratic process. Citizen interaction with public boards is not only required by law but is key for building successful relationships between citizens and their governing board. The book provides good suggestions that will help boards create opportunities for every citizen, including youth and the elderly, to engage in public debate about all issues, not just the controversial ones."

Rodney L. Locks 
Council Member 
City of Brevard