NGIN's Communication Resource Guide for Inclusive Economic Development defines Community Engagement as: The process by which organizations align in benefit of the community and individuals to build a focused method which integrates feedback to develop a collective vision and plan while simultaneously assessing the needs and unique community interests.

Penn Hills Community Development Corporation in Pennsylvania secured funding to allow them to conduct a local community census. This census, branded as Penn Hills Rising, will include hiring local residents to conduct a door-to-door conversation, collaboration with 65 community-based organizations across 39 neighborhoods, and a wide range of neighborhood meetings.

From the New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN), this guide provides definitions and resources for common concepts and topics within the inclusive economic development field.

Researchers at the Urban Institute share best practices and guiding questions to identify and build relationships with partners in service to community engagement.

Researchers at Simon Fraser University outline eight core principles to guide the inclusion of diverse voices in public engagement initiatives. This guide includes addressing barriers to accessibility and engaging participants with lived experiences.

Minnesota | Pop. 86,764 | 5 counties

In 2019, the commission launched the 100 Cups of Coffee project, where interviewers had 100 one-on-one conversations with community members. As part of the creation of the Beltrami Area Resiliency Team, these conversations resulted in the identification of challenges around substance use, mental healthcare, childcare, education, and housing.

California | Pop. 581,085 | 2 counties

In their 2022 CEDS, SoMo Strong, the staff outlined the range of public engagement methods, activities, and participation rates for each activity, which included expert interviews, expert focus groups, jurisdiction and agency interviews, community meetings, and a survey available in English and Spanish.