Community engagement is a fundamental and unique part of Oregon's land use planning system. It is important to involve community members in all phases of the planning process at the state and local level.
Oregon Revised Statute 197.160 directs DLCD’s Land Conservation and Development Commission to appoint a “Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee" or CIAC. The committee currently operates under the name Community Involvement Advisory Committee.
The CIAC makes recommendations to the commission and DLCD staff on matters related to community engagement. While the CIAC works to improve the community engagement process, it does not set policy or review local land use plans or decisions.
The CIAC created a
2025-2027 Work Plan which will guide its work over the current biennium.
CIAC Bylaws outline the role and responsibilities of the committee. DLCD follows the CIAC’s Public Participation Guidelines in policy development.
Each year, the CIAC accepts applications for the
Achievement in Community Engagement (ACE) Awards. The ACE Awards recognize excellence in engaging communities in the land use planning process.
2026 Achievement in Community Engagement Awards
Each year, Oregon's Community Involvement Advisory Committee reviews applications for the Achievement in Community Engagement or ACE Awards. Local governments, special districts, and community organizations are all welcome to apply. These awards are intended to recognize community engagement in land use planning activities. This includes short- and long-range planning, community visioning, and similar activities. The ACE awards are not meant to apply to activities that are done to carry out land use plans already in place.
The online application period for the 2026 ACE Awards is open through
May 11, 2026 at 5 p.m.
See last year’s winning ACE Award projects!
Community Engagement Resources
The Equitable Engagement Toolkit and Community Explorer – created to help communities effectively plan community engagement initiatives.
Putting the People in Planning – DLCD’s tool for local government, public agencies, and members of the public. It provides useful guidelines and resources for planning, executing and evaluating community engagement associated with land use planning projects.