Making Community Engagement Law

The following resources and case studies provide examples of state statutes and municipal ordinances that mandate public participation under law. Legal mandates guarantee opportunities for community members to have a say in the climate adaptation measures proposed by state and local government and related entities.

Lessons Learned

• Policymakers should institutionalize practices that support meaningful and inclusive engagement processes.
• Practitioners can identify sustainable and flexible funding sources that can be used to support prolonged engagement processes and provide needed community support (e.g., childcare, food, stipends, travel, translation).
• Legislation can require planning processes that adopt principles of procedural equity.