An often forgotten, yet critical component of public participation is documenting and evaluating the results. Documentation provides a record of public involvement and allows the public to see how their involvement was used in the decision-making process. Evaluation is used to gauge how well the process is working and to adjust as needed. Documentation and evaluation can occur throughout the process—for example, at the end of individual participation activities, following the completion of major stages of the planning process, or at the conclusion of the public participation program. Sample evaluation questions and tools are provided below.

Sample Evaluation Questions

Stakeholder participation – Have all individuals and groups with a stake in the process and its potential outcomes been given an opportunity to participate in the process? Is participation representative of all viewpoints? Who is not participating? Why?

Participation techniques – Were the tools and techniques selected appropriate for the audience and level of participation desired? Are there other techniques that would have worked better? Do people seem satisfied with the opportunities for public participation?

Program implementation – Is the program being implemented as planned? What external factors are affecting the process? What could have been done differently or better? What key learning experiences should be transferred to future projects?

Participation goals – Did we achieve the goals we established for public participation? Is the public aware of our efforts? Did they gain a greater understanding of local issues and processes? Did we build trust and develop relationships?

Influence on decision-making – Was the information collected from the public useful? Was it used to influence the decision? Did it contribute towards developing more innovative solutions or making a better decision?

Community impact – Did the effort result in any changes to local plans, policies, laws or practices? Did it influence individual behaviors? Did it result in any long-term changes to social, economic or environmental conditions? What, if any, are the negative or unintended consequences of participation?