State government agencies are becoming aware that there is more that they can do to reach communities that may be underserved by agency programs — communities of color, indigenous communities, and low-and moderate-income communities. This policy brief describes steps that agencies can take to engage these communities more meaningfully as partners and stakeholders in government decision-making.

This “starter kit” looks at the typical aspects of government agency contact with the public and provides suggestions for how agencies can take simple steps to improve their engagement. Specifically, it discusses ways to improve public meetings, how to make agency websites more accessible, elements of staff training, and the importance of ongoing improvement. Two appendices look at mission statements and equity statements. In each section, a summary and notes on the topic are followed by model language an agency’s public access and participation plan might include, along with useful resources.