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Public participation spectrum

Increasing levels of public participation Down arrow
Public participation goal Promise to the public Example techniques to consider
Inform To provide the public with balanced and objective information to assist them in understanding the problem, alternatives, opportunities and/or solutions We will keep you informed.
  • Fact sheets
  • Web sites
  • Open houses
Consult To obtain public feedback on analysis, alternatives and/or decisions. We will keep you informed, listen to and acknowledge concerns and aspirations, and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision.
  • Public comment
  • Focus groups
  • Surveys
  • Public meetings
Involve To work directly with the public throughout the process to ensure that public concerns and aspirations are consistently understood and considered. We will work with you to ensure that your concerns and aspirations are directly reflected in the alternatives developed and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision.
  • Workshops
  • Deliberative polling
Collaborate To partner with the public in each aspect of the decision including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred solution. We will look to you for direct advice and innovation in formulating solutions and incorporate your advice and recommendations in the decisions to the maximum extent possible.
  • Citizen advisory committees
  • Consensus building
  • Participatory decision making
Empower To place final decision-making in the hands of the public. We will implement what you decide.
  • Citizen juries
  • Ballots
  • Delegated decisions

Developed by the International Association for Public Participation