Collaborative Public Engagement for Building Trust in Government

The author’s insights equip public leaders and managers with practical tools for engaging the public in ways that foster meaningful participation and collaboration. Drawing from two decades of research, training, and practice in public engagement, the report emphasizes the importance of engaging with different community voices; other insights address the strengths that local communities can build upon to inform public policy and achieve public goals.

Engagement with the citizenry is essential to a healthy democracy, connecting people with their governments and giving them a stake in decision-making and problem-solving. This report proposes innovative strategies that create more collaborative and responsive processes, ultimately enhancing more effective governance. The author explores key aspects of public engagement, including establishing a mindset or approach to engagement, developing its purpose, stakeholder identification, process design, communications with the public, and using engagement data effectively.

By leveraging these and similar strategies, government leaders can foster public participation that strengthens trust. This report provides valuable perspectives and actionable ideas to enhance public engagement practices, fostering greater collaboration between governments and communities.

We hope this report provides valuable insights and actionable steps to enhance public engagement practices and foster greater trust in government.