How to Use This Guide

This playbook is designed to be both inspirational and actionable—a resource you can read through once for big ideas or return to often for practical steps. Each section builds on the last, guiding cities from understanding their civic landscape to launching sustainable, high-impact initiatives.

You can use the playbook in a few ways:

• As a Roadmap: Follow it sequentially to walk through the full process of planning, implementing, and evaluating engagement efforts.
• As a Toolkit: Jump to specific sections when you need targeted guidance -- whether it’s developing a strategic plan, building partnerships, or measuring success.
• As a Conversation Starter: Share it with cross-sector partners, advisory councils, and community groups to align goals, spark new ideas, and inspire collaboration.

Each section includes:

• Key concepts and guiding principles to frame your approach.
• Practical tools, templates, and examples drawn from real communities.
• Strategies for sustainability and impact to help efforts last beyond a single event or administration.

Use what fits, adapt what doesn’t. The goal is progress, not perfection. Every small step toward service-centered engagement strengthens the foundation of a thriving community.

Now it’s your turn. Use this playbook to strengthen connections, inspire collaboration, and help your community move forward—together.