Oregonians might wonder how they can participate in the statewide land use planning program. The system, after all, is complex and can be cumbersome and intimidating. At both the state and local level, land use decisions can seem technical, confusing, and bureaucratic.
The CIAC operates, in part, to provide a forum where citizens around the state can share their experiences and get information about public involvement rules, requirements, and best practices. The CIAC is also a resource for local governments and department staff who are requesting feedback on public involvement plans related to land use planning efforts. The LCDC uses the CIAC to provide guidance on commission and department efforts to include the public in department work and commission decisions. For this purpose, the CIAC has created the department's Citizen Involvement Guidelines.
The LCDC page on this site includes information on how the public can interact with the commission.
In 2019, the CIAC updated a longstanding statewide guidance document called, "
Putting the People in Planning." This document is intended to be used as a tool by local government, public agencies, and members of the public. It provides useful guidelines and resources for planning, executing and evaluating public outreach associated with land use planning projects.
"Understanding Oregon's Land Use Planning Program" is a short, annotated video series that talks in plain language about how to work with the program's 19 Statewide Planning Goals and Oregon administrative rules. It also explains how federal programs and executive initiatives influence the way statewide land use planning, development and conservation are achieved in Oregon.
The CIAC is also author to a Public Involvement Checklist, that provides local governments and others with a list of what are considered 'best practices' for engaging the public in government decision making.