Many of the resources below are collected from subnational governments, civil society organizations, academic institutions and others working to improve the ways that governments engage community members in identifying and addressing community needs and challenges. NDI does not accept responsibility for the views or information contained in materials developed by non-NDI sources, or for any reliance placed on them.
National Democratic Institute, "Listen, Respond, Report: A local leader's guide to government responsiveness through feedback loops" (2025).
A downloadable PDF version of the feedback loops guide, for ease of printing.
National Democratic Institute, "Listen, Respond, Report" Annexes 1-14 (2025).
Above, the downloadable PDF version of the combined 14 feedback loops guide annexes, for ease of printing. Below, individual annexes are available.
- Annex 1 - Glossary of terms
- Annex 2 - Levels of public engagement
- Annex 3 - Context analysis and Do No Harm
- Annex 4 - Timeline, budget and team composition
- Annex 5 - Local authority budgets and the feedback loop
- Annex 6 - Data governance frameworks
- Annex 7 - Key informant interviews
- Annex 8 - Focus groups
- Annex 9 - Surveys
- Annex 10 - When to use KIIs, FGs and Surveys
- Annex 11 - Public reporting template
- Annex 12 - Participatory action research
- Annex 13 - Additional information on PDD and PDD methods
- Annex 14 - Commitment template
National Assembly for Wales Commission, "Public Engagement Toolkit," (2014).
A toolkit of methods used by the National Assembly for Wales to enhance links with target audiences and the wider public. It guides Officials at the National Assembly when planning activities to promote Assembly business, and Committee inquiries. It outlines methods for promotion, engagement and evidence gathering that can be delivered by the Assembly’s Communications team.
People Powered: Global Hub for Participatory Democracy.
A resource for information, guidance, tools, examples and assistance for organizations and leaders around the world who are building a more participatory democracy.
Your Dublin, Your Voice.
An example of a dedicated online public engagement platform managed by the Dublin City Council of Dublin, Ireland.
Queensland Government, "Community Engagement Toolkit for Planning" (2017).
A resource developed by the Government of Queensland, Australia Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning to support community engagement in local planning processes.