In the United States, during the 1960s and 1970s, citizens became concerned about and involved in the governmental decision making process. State planning laws now require cities and counties to involve the public before making certain planning decisions.

The International Association for Public Participation lists a variety public participation methods including inform, consult, involve, collaborate, empower:

“Inform” is the lowest level of impact with the goal to provide the public with balanced and objective information to assist understanding the problem, alternatives, opportunities and/or solutions.

“Consult” is the second form of public participation. Its goal is to obtain feedback on analysis, alternatives, and/or decisions. The public hearing is principle in the entitlement process, but often the least effective form of public participation. This is where decision-makers listen to presentations from planning staff and the applicant then take public testimony on a proposed project. Typically, the public stands behind a lectern and gives a short 1-3 minute speech providing their input on the proposal.
This process may give decision-makers a feel for the extent and nature of the issues; however, public hearings only give an overall indication of public opinion. Decision-makers must carefully weigh the testimony because typically those opposed to a project come to public hearings. This method falls short of yielding good information about why people feel the way they do. Mainly, public hearings do not contribute effectively to problem solving or mutual cooperation. (International Online Training, Oct. 2010, University of Colorado)

“Involve” is a higher level of public participation which has as its goal to work directly with the public throughout the process to ensure that public concerns and aspirations are consistently understood and considered.

“Collaborate” increases public impact on the outcome. This form of participation partners with the public in each aspect of the decision including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred solution.

“Empower” is to place decision making in the hands of public.

The type of public participation is determined by the goals of planning staff and governing regulations. In the City of Los Angles there are several opportunities for public participation. SATT understands how to effectively help you communicate your desires within each of the following public participation opportunities and have a “Seat at the Table”:

Points of Contact for Public Participation

1. Demolition Building Permit
2. Early Notification System (Sent to Interested Parties including Certified Neighborhood Councils) 
3. Environmental Clearance (i.e., Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration, EIR)    Publication of Environmental Notices in the Los Angeles Times
4. Prior to Public Hearing or after a Waived Public Hearing

• Certified Neighborhood Council Meeting
• Notice of Public Hearing (Mail, Newspaper, Posting on site)
• Waived hearing (i.e., notice after action to Abutting Property Owners)

5. At the Public Hearing

• Written Testimony (i.e., submitted prior to hearing, submitted at the hearing.)
• Oral testimony (state your position and what supports your statements)

6. Decision Taken Under Advisement (time granted to submit additional information and comments)
7. Letter of Determination (Approval with conditions, Approval, Denial)

• File an Appeal
• Attend the Appeal Hearing

8. Section 245 (i.e., in coordination with Council District)
9. During Construction (i.e., short-term construction impacts)
10. During Operation (i.e., compliance with the operational conditions of approval)
11. Future Review (Approval of Plans Review, Expiration of City Planning approval)
12. Appeal of Building Permit