Public Engagement Plan
A guide for staff on how to meaningfully engage the public and ensure community input shapes County decisions.
Updated August 28, 2026 at 1:59 PM PDT
- Version
- 1.0
- Status
- Active
- Owner
- OCE Communications
- Foreword by
- Derek Johnson, County Executive
Foreword
Marin County serves one of the most engaged and informed communities in California. The Public Engagement Plan (PEP) is the County's commitment to being clear with community members about how they can participate, what level of influence they have, and how their input will be used — engaging early, following through, and reporting back after every engagement effort.
Every staff member, vendor, or consultant who touches a project, program, or policy that affects the public is expected to use this Plan.
How to use this guide
This Plan is both policy and a practical reference. You don't need to read it cover to cover — jump to what you need:
- Do I even need engagement?Engagement or communication?
- What level is right for my project?Read the full explanation
- What do I do next?Seven required steps
- What documents do I need?Documents by level
- I need to go deeper on a special topicGoing deeper
- I need a template or referenceAppendices
If your project is already underway, start where you are: publish an Influence Statement, document input, and close the loop when engagement concludes. OCE Communications and the Office of Equity are your partners — reach out before you begin.