The purpose of this publication is to create a well-informed, well-organized, and well-prepared community – one that is ready to participate in policy and planning processes that affect their neighborhoods and people. Community members who are knowledgeable about these processes and are proactive with their engagement can have a powerful influence on local land use decisions that shape the future of their communities.

This publication is for practitioners, community members, and other stakeholders in policy and planning decision-making that impact the watershed. The material included in this toolkit is a synthesis of information drawn from interviews with current and former elected officials, community members, and staff members of organizations that have worked on engagement efforts; research into best practices and available tools included in other toolkits; and feedback from community members and practitioners.