MRSC Insight Blog

Posts for Public Participation

Expanding Public Participation in Planning Using Digital Tools

May 15, 2025 by Alicia Bones
Category: Information Technology , Tools for Planners , Public Participation

Digital tools like 3D modeling, evaluation software, and interactive maps can help community members better understand proposed plans and can help planners gather more comprehensive community feedback reflecting a wider range of needs and perspectives.

Building Trust and Transparency in Local Government Through Citizen Academies

March 24, 2025 by Leah LaCivita
Category: Public Participation

Local governments interested in increasing transparency and building trust with the community may want to consider developing a community academy. Such programs can show participants how local decisions are made, where public funds are spent, and how they can get more involved.

The Right to Assemble: Responding to Protests, Spontaneous Gatherings, and Counterdemonstrations

January 6, 2025 by MRSC Insight
Category: Legislative Body , Public Participation

Under the First Amendment, an individual has the right to peaceably assemble and free expression, and some exercise these rights in outdoor public places and gatherings. How can local governments both protect the public's First Amendment rights as well as ensure public safety?

Social media symbols set up like a slot machine

Social Media and Public Agencies: Strategies to Harness Communication Potential and Avoid Legal Challenges

December 2, 2024 by Harry Boesche
Category: Social Media , Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

Social media has proven to be an effective communication tool for local governments but not without its challenges. Proper guidance for staff and elected officials can help agencies avoid potential legal issues, such as violating the Open Public Meetings Act.

Building Trust: Effective Tools for Local Government

August 12, 2024 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Leadership and Management , Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

Building trust with community members can be accomplished in many ways, and Washington local governments have implemented innovative strategies to increase transparency, build relationships with diverse communities, and demonstrate responsiveness to community needs.

A person sitting in front of a computer with a bag over their head decorated with a picture of a troll

Not What You Were Expecting To Hear: More Strategies for Handling Hate Speech During Public Comment

June 25, 2024 by Jill Dvorkin
Category: Inclusive Communities , Legislative Body , Public Participation

What can an agency do to minimize the harm caused by a speaker whose goal may be to disrupt a public meeting? After some high-profile zoom bombing incidents, local governments are exploring strategies such as public comment rule changes and setting expectations for speakers.

Strategies for Managing Difficult Public Meetings

March 27, 2024 by MRSC Insight
Category: Legislative Body , Public Participation

What are some steps an agency can take before, during, and after difficult public meetings to make them less stressful and more productive for everyone?

a hand turning a dial to maximum 'trust'

Building Trust During Polarizing Times

February 5, 2024 by Linda Gallagher
Category: Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

Distrust, misinformation, and polarization seem to be growing at the national and local levels. How can local government build trust to help dispel misinformation, reduce polarization, increase engagement, and maintain a healthy, engaged democracy?

A diverse group of happy adults and kids sitting in a garden

Whatcom County Boosts Engagement Efforts to Build a More Equitable Advisory Board

January 17, 2024 by Allison Williams
Category: Guest Author , Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

In order to contribute to building the health and well-being of young children and their families, Whatcom County developed a diverse, community-driven Child and Family Well-Being Task Force through innovative policies and increased community engagement.

When Hate Comes to Town: Addressing Racist and Anti-Semitic Public Comment at Meetings

November 6, 2023 by Oskar Rey
Category: Inclusive Communities , Legislative Body , Public Participation

In recent months, some city council meetings have had their public comment period hijacked by bad actors whose purpose is to make hateful comments. Local governments have some options for minimizing the chance that their meetings are compromised in such a manner.

A vendor stall at an outdoor market featuring produce, cut flowers, and potted plants

Planning for Local Food Systems: A Whatcom County Case Study, Part 2

June 1, 2023 by Lisa Pool , Ali Jensen
Category: Guest Author , Planning , Climate Change , Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

After extensive planning and community engagement, Whatcom County is developing a comprehensive local food system plan. See Part 2 of the series on the plan's development and lessons learned.

Many hands in a multitude of colors surround and stretch towards the earth

Centering Equity in Climate Plans and Programs

May 17, 2023 by Helen Ippolito
Category: Guest Author , Climate Change , Inclusive Communities , Public Participation

As new legislation (HB 1181) has added equity components to the Growth Management Act, it is essential to understand what climate equity means and how it is successfully being carried out by local governments across the state.

Technology and Open Government: Maximizing Participation and Transparency

February 28, 2022 by Oskar Rey
Category: Information Technology , Open Public Meetings Act , Public Participation

Obtaining a broad spectrum of public participation in local government meetings can be challenging. This blog looks at a few examples of the innovative tools and approaches Washington agencies are using.

Are Your Public Meetings Truly “Open” to the Public?

January 27, 2020 by Sarah Doar
Category: Open Public Meetings Act , Public Participation

This blog post considers how local governments could make public meetings even more accessible to the public.

Using a Scavenger Hunt and Gamification to Unite a Growing City

October 12, 2018 by Riley Sweeney
Category: Guest Author , Parks, Recreation, and Culture , Public Participation

Guest author Riley Sweeney, Communications Officer/Recreation Coordinator for the City of Ferndale, writes about engaging city residents through game-playing via a scavenger hunt.

Communications in 10-5-1

September 18, 2017 by Bob Jean
Category: Guest Author , Public Participation

Just as in our personal relations, communications are essential for fostering good community relations. Council/Commission Advisor Bob Jean looks at the role of the message, messenger, and media in local government communications efforts.

Community-Led Demonstration Projects: A Cost Effective Way to Engage Citizens and Implement Plans

June 27, 2016 by Josh Mahar
Category: Public Participation

A new policy from Burlington, Vermont provides a neat example of how jurisdictions can give their enthusiastic citizen activists a clear avenue for taking action.

When Public Comment is Challenging

December 19, 2014 by Ann G. Macfarlane
Category: Guest Author , Public Participation

This fall I had the privilege of working with planning directors from across the state at their 25th annual conference in Chelan, Washington. Our focus was on keeping things on track when folks are rude, crude or confused, particularly during public comment sessions.

Who's Your CEO - “Chief ENGAGEMENT Officer”?

October 12, 2014 by Bob Jean
Category: Guest Author , Public Participation

Coming out of the “Great Recession” these past 4 years, what percentage of all money measures submitted to voters by local governments nationwide (cities, counties, schools, etc) do you think passed? 30%? 40%? More? Less? According to research by the International City County Management Association (ICMA), from 2010-2013 over 70% of local money referendums were approved by voters! And those initiated by direct community engagement passed by 90%!

Can You Hear Me Now? Reaching Out to Engage Increasingly Diverse Communities

February 6, 2014 by Sue Enger
Category: Public Participation

According to the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association, “when it comes to effective communication … the ‘general public’ doesn’t exist.” Rather than...

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