Documents by level
Confirm your engagement level and the documents required at each level of the Public Engagement Spectrum.
Updated August 28, 2026 at 1:59 PM PDT
Required documents by level
Use this table after completing the Engagement Assessment and Plan to confirm your engagement level and required documents. OCE Communications must review the Plan before outreach begins at any level, and the completed Stakeholder Mapping Worksheet at Consult level and above.
| Level | Required documents |
|---|---|
| Inform | Engagement Assessment and Plan; Strategic Communications Plan |
| Consult | Engagement Assessment and Plan; Strategic Communications Plan; Stakeholder Mapping Worksheet; Influence and Outcomes Tracker; What We Heard Report |
| Involve | Engagement Assessment and Plan; Strategic Communications Plan; Stakeholder Mapping Worksheet; Meeting/Event Guide (if meetings are used); Influence and Outcomes Tracker; What We Heard Report; Evaluation |
| Collaborate | Engagement Assessment and Plan; Strategic Communications Plan; Stakeholder Mapping Worksheet; Meeting/Event Guide (if meetings are used); Influence and Outcomes Tracker; What We Heard Report; Evaluation; Clerk of the Board consultation (if forming an advisory body) |
| Empower | Engagement Assessment and Plan; Strategic Communications Plan; Stakeholder Mapping Worksheet; Meeting/Event Guide (if meetings are used); Influence and Outcomes Tracker; What We Heard Report; Evaluation; confirmed executive support; defined scope and decision authority in writing |
Also include in every Board staff report
- Engagement level used
- Communities engaged
- Summary of what was heard
- How input shaped the recommendation
Once the engagement level is confirmed, continue with the Stakeholder Mapping Worksheet and the engagement planning section of the Engagement Assessment and Plan.
When the plan isn't followed
Accountability for engagement rests with the department initiating the project. OCE Communications and/or Equity is the countywide partner, not the enforcer. Staff reports must explain absent engagement documentation. Repeated departures from Plan requirements may require remediation before a project advances.