Blog, Community Engagement and Engagement - Public Administration Today

5 most common myths about community engagement

Citizen Lab

MARCH 13, 2023

From costly expenses to loss of control, several misconceptions about community engagement can hinder local governments from unlocking the full potential of participatory democracy to this day. In this blog post, we’ll explore five of the most-heard myths and why they’re not true.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government

Inclusive community engagement: 10 good practices to mobilize underheard audiences

Citizen Lab

AUGUST 24, 2023

Every local government and organization that has ever launched a community engagement project knows the challenge: How do you reach underheard groups? The post Inclusive community engagement: 10 good practices to mobilize underheard audiences appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government

The Data-Informed Community Engagement (DICE) Approach to Public Safety Turns Analytics into Action

NLC (National League of Cities)

JUNE 18, 2024

This is one in a series of blogs focused on Gun Violence Awareness in June. To connect with NLC’s Justice Initiatives Team and other cities working to address violence in their communities, email us at justiceinitiatives@nlc.org.

Public Safety

Public Safety Community Engagement Engagement Coordinator

Webinars

Maximizing Municipal Budgets: Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners

Overcoming Operational Challenges in Parks & Recreation

MORE WEBINARS

Why you need a community engagement platform

Citizen Lab

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

Community engagement can help by facilitating more active collaboration with the residents, businesses, visitors, and other stakeholders in your community. You know that your residents want to be more involved in local decision-making, but how do you involve them both meaningfully and efficiently?

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement

Boost your 2024 community engagement with Events

Citizen Lab

JANUARY 12, 2024

As local governments gear up for a whole new year of community engagement, you want to take a step back and look at how you might reach new people or reactivate community members who haven’t engaged with you in some time. While setting goals for 2024, it's also an ideal time to explore new strategies and tools.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government

Community engagement examples: August’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

This August, we’ve been amazed again at how local governments worldwide are leveraging their CitizenLab platforms to engage with their communities. Whether it’s urban redevelopment, school reform, or community-driven initiatives, in more and more places, residents are taking active roles in decision-making processes.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government

Community engagement examples: June’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

JULY 18, 2023

Exploring the potential of community engagement, we encounter a multitude of innovative projects hosted on CitizenLab platforms. Learn more about the work of other local governments and let it inspire your own community engagement efforts!

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government

Community engagement examples: July’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

AUGUST 15, 2023

In this month's selection for our inspiring platforms series, we take you on a trip across different countries to learn more about other local governments' work and inspire your community engagement efforts! The post Community engagement examples: July’s inspiring platforms appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government

Community engagement strategy template: CitizenLab’s Online Engagement Canvas

Citizen Lab

MAY 8, 2023

A comprehensive community engagement strategy is key to ensuring the smooth launch of – and satisfying outcomes for – projects. Before initiating a project, it’s best to set clear objectives, define roles and responsibilities, and select the most promising communication channels. Looking for some guidance?

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Communications

Inspiring community engagement examples and platforms #11

Citizen Lab

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

The examples from CitizenLab’s international community, handpicked by our team of engagement experts, illustrate the power of collaborative decision-making. Discover how these communities are shaping their future together.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Urban Planning Budgeting

Inspiring community engagement examples and platforms #12

Citizen Lab

DECEMBER 20, 2023

This selection introduces fresh, inspiring projects but also revisits some of the most noteworthy ones our community of 500+ local governments and organizations launched in the past year. The post Inspiring community engagement examples and platforms #12 appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog. Enjoy the read!

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government

Inspiring community engagement examples and platforms #10

Citizen Lab

OCTOBER 21, 2023

Our team of engagement experts has handpicked these examples that are making real waves. The post Inspiring community engagement examples and platforms #10 appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog. Dive in now to get inspired!

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government

Community engagement examples: March’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

APRIL 13, 2023

In today’s world, local governments strive to establish effective community engagement projects with their communities. Our platform has emerged as an invaluable resource in facilitating this connection, with governments worldwide exploring creative ways to leverage its potential.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Government

Community engagement examples: January’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

FEBRUARY 28, 2023

From environmental improvement programs to new neighborhood developments, discover our curated selection of exemplary community engagement projects and get inspired by peers from around the world.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Development Government

Community engagement examples: January’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

FEBRUARY 28, 2023

From environmental improvement programs to new neighborhood developments, discover our curated selection of exemplary community engagement projects and get inspired by peers from around the world.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Development Government

Community engagement examples: April’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

MAY 15, 2023

The post Community engagement examples: April’s inspiring platforms appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog. Ready for some real-life examples? Let's dive into six recent projects.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Management

Community engagement examples: February’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

MARCH 13, 2023

Local governments are constantly seeking new ways to engage with their communities. Our platform has proven to be a valuable tool for facilitating this engagement, and governments all over the world are discovering new and innovative ways to use it.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Budgeting

How much does a community engagement platform cost?

Citizen Lab

FEBRUARY 14, 2023

When it comes to community engagement, most governments' first concerns are the associated costs. An online community engagement platform can reduce the cost of participation drastically. The post How much does a community engagement platform cost? appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Government

Community engagement examples: November’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

NOVEMBER 23, 2022

From environmental improvement programs to new park developments, discover exemplary examples of community engagement and get inspired by peers from around the world. Seeking to honor the… The post Community engagement examples: November’s inspiring platforms appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Voting Development

Community engagement examples: October’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

OCTOBER 18, 2022

From the United Kingdom to Chile, cities and organizations around the world are building inspiring community engagement projects on our platform to connect with their residents in pursuit of building a better community. Learn from your global peers and explore their platforms below!

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement

Why engage online: making a case for online community engagement [GUIDE PREVIEW]

Citizen Lab

MARCH 28, 2023

The biggest, lingering fear in the back of many public servants’ minds is whether there is value in investing in online community engagement. And if you want an online component to your engagement efforts, why not just use social media? What is the return on investment (ROI) you make?

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Social Media

Improve reporting on community engagement projects

Citizen Lab

JULY 6, 2022

Community engagement isn’t just about increased transparency between government and residents. It’s also an important tool that can improve communication across internal departments and key community stakeholders.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Communications Government

Ensuring constructive conversations: Best practices for moderation of a community engagement platform

Citizen Lab

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

Harnessing the full power of your community engagement platform requires effective moderation. The post Ensuring constructive conversations: Best practices for moderation of a community engagement platform appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog. This ensures vibrant, inclusive dialogue and boosts trust.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement

Community engagement examples: December’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

JANUARY 5, 2023

Want to see how our clients tackle these issues and co-create solutions with their communities? … The post Community engagement examples: December’s inspiring platforms appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog. Let’s dive into six recent projects.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Economic Development Local Government

Sculpting an impactful community engagement team: essential roles and skills

Citizen Lab

JUNE 19, 2023

An effective community engagement team, similar to a well-tuned orchestra, relies on a mix of diverse roles each playing their unique part in harmony. The post Sculpting an impactful community engagement team: essential roles and skills appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Government

4 reasons why social media isn’t enough for community engagement

Citizen Lab

AUGUST 1, 2022

When it comes to engaging with the public, social media is often a first instinct for many government officials. It is easy to access, widely utilized, and is often the first place people go to share their opinions on trending issues or topics in their communities.

Social Media

Social Media Community Engagement Engagement Government

Community engagement examples: May’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

JUNE 19, 2023

Let a fresh set of examples spark ideas for your community engagement efforts.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement

Community engagement examples: September’s inspiring platforms

Citizen Lab

SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan update (United States) In 2016,… The post <strong>Community engagement examples: September’s inspiring platforms</strong> appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog. Let’s dive into six recent projects.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Development

Develop a communications plan for your community engagement projects

Citizen Lab

JULY 6, 2022

Understanding how your community – and who in your community – currently engages with local topics is crucial to identifying opportunities and gaps for your next community engagement project. Before getting started, consider who you need to reach and how you will do it.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Communications Engagement Development

How can cities tell their stories for higher community engagement?

Citizen Lab

AUGUST 12, 2022

Storytelling is an important aspect of community engagement – that’s why Inform is the first step on the participation ladder. Storytelling cultivates a foundational understanding of an engagement topic, the parameters and criteria for engagement, and sheds inspiration for engagement.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Cultivation

Driving leadership buy-in for community engagement: expert tips from our cofounder Aline Muylaert

Citizen Lab

APRIL 24, 2023

As one of CitizenLab’s co-founders, current Commercial Director, and previous Head of Government Success, Aline Muylaert has extensive experience working with local governments to develop and implement successful community engagement initiatives.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Leadership Engagement Local Government

What to measure to understand the effectiveness of your community engagement platform

Citizen Lab

DECEMBER 5, 2022

When trying to measure the effectiveness of your online community engagement efforts, the challenge is to sift through numerous available metrics and analyze the relevant ones so you can get to actionable insights. We put together a list of primary metrics to track.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement

5 basics of a good communications plan for community engagement projects

Citizen Lab

SEPTEMBER 22, 2022

In this article, we discuss the five basic principles of a good communications plan for your community engagement efforts.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Communications Engagement

Two steps to take before you begin your community engagement project

Citizen Lab

JULY 6, 2022

By starting on the same page, your projects will be set up to maximize your team and community’s return on engagement. Consider your resources To set up a successful engagement project, you’ll need time, budget, and a dedicated team.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Budgeting Communications

How to comply with the latest social housing regulations through an online community engagement platform

Citizen Lab

OCTOBER 21, 2022

The post How to comply with the latest social housing regulations through an online community engagement platform appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog. This content is restricted in your region.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Regulations Engagement Housing

Community Engagement for City Budgeting

zencity

NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Zencity takes a dual approach to community engagement: First, it increases active participation through both topic-specific and resident satisfaction surveys that are distributed online, reaching members of the community that wouldn’t otherwise engage. Learn how to budget for your community with our free eBook.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Budgeting Engagement Local Government

Norwich, CT teams up with local community development corporation to develop a community engagement platform

Citizen Lab

DECEMBER 19, 2022

With so many incredible community development and engagement projects taking place on our platform across the world, we hope to record some best practices and share them with local governments to encourage peer learning and inspiration. Here at CitizenLab, we love to celebrate the successes of our clients.

Community Development

Community Development Community Engagement Development Engagement

Enabling Collaborative, Two-Way Community Engagement: Why We Acquired Civil Space

zencity

DECEMBER 7, 2021

We are incredibly excited by what Tim, Andrew, Shasa and the Civil Space team have created, and thrilled to be adding the ability for cutting-edge, two-way, open engagement between governments and their residents to our leading suite of community engagement capabilities. The Importance of Community Engagement.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Engagement Local Government Social Media

Job: Seattle, Community Engagement Coordinator

Disaster Zone blog

MARCH 30, 2023

This is a priority for the city.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement Coordinator Engagement

Data, diversity, and connection: lessons from New York City’s Public Engagement Unit

Citizen Lab

APRIL 15, 2024

The latest episode of our podcast, Public Square, takes us to the bustling metropolis of New York City, where the Public Engagement Unit (PEU), under the leadership of Adrienne Lever has developed an innovative approach to community engagement.

Engagement

Engagement Community Engagement Leadership Development

Using a digital engagement platform for offline interactions: 3 benefits and examples

Citizen Lab

NOVEMBER 21, 2023

Traditionally, community engagement has been compartmentalized into offline and online methods, often treated as distinct and separate elements. It's time to blend these worlds, for instance by using digital engagement platforms as enhancers of offline community engagement.

Engagement

Engagement Community Engagement

Five actionable strategies to put equitable engagement at the forefront of comprehensive planning

Citizen Lab

MARCH 6, 2024

One episode features an engaging discussion with Aja Hazelhoff from the City of Seattle, focusing on the crucial integration of equitable engagement into comprehensive planning.

Engagement

Engagement Outreach Community Engagement Coordinator

Carlisle develops a vibrant engagement platform to revamp public spaces for its community

Citizen Lab

NOVEMBER 10, 2022

Executive Summary: Looking to create a more official and consolidated platform that allowed for additional oversight and increased transparency in government operations, such as the redesign of public spaces, the Carlisle team began looking at community engagement platforms.

Engagement

Engagement Development Community Engagement Operations

Quiz: How strong is your culture of engagement?

Citizen Lab

JUNE 12, 2023

Ever wondered how you match up on your community engagement efforts? The post Quiz: How strong is your culture of engagement? appeared first on CitizenLab's Blog. We’ve got just the quiz for you. Answer a few questions, get a clear score of your efforts, and get resources to support you as you level up.

Engagement

Engagement Community Engagement

5 most common myths about community engagement

Inclusive community engagement: 10 good practices to mobilize underheard audiences

Webinars

Trending Sources

The Data-Informed Community Engagement (DICE) Approach to Public Safety Turns Analytics into Action

Webinars

Why you need a community engagement platform

Boost your 2024 community engagement with Events

Community engagement examples: August’s inspiring platforms

Community engagement examples: June’s inspiring platforms

Community engagement examples: July’s inspiring platforms

Community engagement strategy template: CitizenLab’s Online Engagement Canvas

Inspiring community engagement examples and platforms #11

Inspiring community engagement examples and platforms #12

Inspiring community engagement examples and platforms #10

Community engagement examples: March’s inspiring platforms

Community engagement examples: January’s inspiring platforms

Community engagement examples: January’s inspiring platforms

Community engagement examples: April’s inspiring platforms

Community engagement examples: February’s inspiring platforms

How much does a community engagement platform cost?

Community engagement examples: November’s inspiring platforms

Community engagement examples: October’s inspiring platforms

Why engage online: making a case for online community engagement [GUIDE PREVIEW]

Improve reporting on community engagement projects

Ensuring constructive conversations: Best practices for moderation of a community engagement platform

Community engagement examples: December’s inspiring platforms

Sculpting an impactful community engagement team: essential roles and skills

4 reasons why social media isn’t enough for community engagement

Community engagement examples: May’s inspiring platforms

Community engagement examples: September’s inspiring platforms

Develop a communications plan for your community engagement projects

How can cities tell their stories for higher community engagement?

Driving leadership buy-in for community engagement: expert tips from our cofounder Aline Muylaert

What to measure to understand the effectiveness of your community engagement platform

5 basics of a good communications plan for community engagement projects

Two steps to take before you begin your community engagement project

How to comply with the latest social housing regulations through an online community engagement platform

Community Engagement for City Budgeting

Norwich, CT teams up with local community development corporation to develop a community engagement platform

Enabling Collaborative, Two-Way Community Engagement: Why We Acquired Civil Space

Job: Seattle, Community Engagement Coordinator

Data, diversity, and connection: lessons from New York City’s Public Engagement Unit

Using a digital engagement platform for offline interactions: 3 benefits and examples

Five actionable strategies to put equitable engagement at the forefront of comprehensive planning

Carlisle develops a vibrant engagement platform to revamp public spaces for its community

Quiz: How strong is your culture of engagement?

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