The Introduction section of this manual discusses the benefits of public involvement to agency decision makers, including expanding shared baseline knowledge, generating support for the decision, and developing ongoing relationships that will help in implementing decisions.

The additional content (Stage 1 and Stage 2) describes how to complete situation assessments.

EPA created these tools to support public involvement.  These tools are an excellent resource in support of EPA's Public Participation Guide.

• Better Decisions through Consultation and Collaboration - Introduction (PDF)(18 pp, 207 K)
• Better Decisions through Consultation and Collaboration - Stage 1 (PDF)(10 pp, 117 K)
• Better Decisions through Consultation and Collaboration - Stage 2 (PDF)(14 pp, 169 K)