Public involvement is fundamental to local government.
Local government is closest to the people, most aware of their needs and concerns, and most sensitive and responsive to public opinion. It is therefore important that there be extensive public involvement in municipal operations. Apart from this general statement, there are several practical reasons to involve the public. An involved public is better informed about the processes, issues, and complexity of local government, recognizes the contributions of elected and appointed officials, sees the value of participating, and may turn out in larger numbers at the polls. If volunteers are to be effective, however, the municipality should plan for their use just as it does staff.