Interactions with the public are at the heart of our work. They enable us to convey information, to gather public ideas and concerns, and to build partnerships with the public. The public’s increased interest in participating in public decision making creates tremendous opportunities for better public policy and a stronger democracy.
To realize these opportunities, counties need new and innovative tools to partner with the public. Effective public engagement requires lots of planning including being very clear about the purpose and expectation of the activity. Designing and delivering meaningful public engagement activities is an important role for staff and elected officials. Meaningful engagement means that relationships and conversations are reciprocal, authentic, and intentional to create opportunities for all communities to participate in the process.
The information below provides tools to help you prepare for successful public engagement activities. Review the materials and adjust them to fit your county and the situation. Additional information and tools are available from AMC’s partner, the State of Minnesota’s Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution.
For further information regarding on-site assistance for designing public engagement activities, please contact Ryan Erdmann, AMC Member Engagement Coordinator, at erdmann@mncounties.org.
- What is Public Engagement and Why Should I Do It?
A guide to public engagement and the benefits of good engagement.
Author: Institute for Local Government - Top Considerations for Public Engagement
Based on OCDR’s experience in the field, these are the most important factors when considering a public engagement effort.
Author: Minnesota Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution - Deliberative Public Engagement Handbook
OCDR’s Deliberative Public Engagement Model has been successful in many settings and worked well for both state and local government. This handbook contains templates and resources to help those interested in learning more about deliberative public engagement and about how to prepare for and implement a project.
Author: Minnesota Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution - Planning Public Engagement: Key Questions for Local Officials
Asking the right questions as you consider and plan for a public engagement greatly increases the chance of success.
Author: Institute for Local Government - The Spectrum of Public Participation
An important question: What are you hoping to get out of your public participation?
Author: International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) - Steps to Increasing Resident Engagement with Better Public Meetings
By thoughtfully planning public meetings, you can involve more citizens, draw out a broader range of ideas and concerns, and demonstrate leadership through difficult issues.
Author: League of Minnesota Cities - Beyond the Usuals: Ideas to Encourage Broader Public Engagement in Community Decision Making
Important steps to make sure you get a broad range of participation, and not just the usual suspects, to your public engagement efforts.
Author: Institute for Local Government - Dealing with Deeply Held Concerns and other Challenges to Public Engagement Processes
A step-by-step guide to preparing for and holding public meetings on contentious issues.
Author: Institute for Local Government - Dealing with Emotional Audiences
A guide to better understanding, and working with, emotions in a public setting.
Author: Institute for Local Government