Public outreach is important for transparency in the budget process. There must be a balance between providing information to engage both small and large groups through various modes of participation like face-to-face meetings, surveys, and online forums. Details should be at an appropriate level and focus on key questions. Hampton, VA's experience engaging the public provided full results compiled by question online. Being prepared involves anticipating common questions through worksheets and suggested discussion topics.

1. Public Outreach in the Budget Process
NCLGBA Conference
John Stephens
School of Government, UNC-Chapel Hill
December 12, 2013

2. Balance and Tension
Information
Engagement
•
•
•
Who to reach? [Small/Large number]
Framing of Choices
Mode of participation
• Face-to-face to elected
• Committee
• Survey
• Online
• Other
Level of Detail
Focus
Questions to answer?

3. Hampton, VA experience
• Overview
 Presentation to council - http://www.hampton.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1534
 Full results - Compiled – by Question
http://www.hampton.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1522
 CIP in brief - http://hampton.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3182
• Pros and Cons: Discussion

4. Being Prepared: Anticipating
Common Questions
• Worksheet: three “expected questions” +
information to respond
• Panel: our suggested “top items”
– Handout