Online Public Engagement: A Guide to Selection and Use for Local Governments and Community Organizations

Online Public Engagement outlines the range of options, opportunities and the potential challenges of using online technologies to enhance and expand public engagement. The book orients urban and community planners, local government officials, economic development and other policy developers, who need to gather public involvement to guide strategic planning and program development.

Because online technologies are characterized by rapid change and swift evolution of specific platforms and methods, the book focuses on establishing a solid understanding of the strengths and limitations of online technologies, as well as an intellectual and practical basis for analyzing and selecting online options. Specific current technologies are used as examples and case studies, but are incorporated judiciously due to the frequently short shelf life of specific online platforms.

The book walks readers through the key steps to successfully implementing online public engagement tools:

• issues that necessitate an online public engagement strategy
• levels of public engagement
• engagement planning and preparation
• technical considerations
• and case studies using a range of tools.

Local government and related professionals and officials are under increasing pressure to use online public engagement tools, due to budget cuts, popular demand for transparency and involvement, and increasing project complexity. The first of its kind,Online Public Engagement will give them an opportunity to more effectively evaluate their needs and potential for online public engagement, without being tied to a specific platform.