Common Ground is committed to strong and effective public participation in regional planning. Below are the principles that will guide such participation.

Authentic Dialogue and Engagement: Citizens speak to and with each other, not at each other. Conversations are informed and consensus-driven. Citizens have the opportunity to express their opinions and listen to one another. Engagement in planning continues after individual forums and meetings conclude.

Diversity and Representation: Participants should represent the demographics of their communities, in terms of age, income, race, as well as the range of diverse perspectives on issues.

Neutral and Citizen-Led: The process is a space for the public to discuss and make up its mind on public policy issues. Facilitators remained un-biased and help citizens to lead the conversations themselves.

Inclusive and Compassionate: Participants should feel comfortable enough to speak their minds without fear of ridicule or personal attack. Everyone should be encouraged to participate in the conversation.

Thoughtful and Informed: The process should offer public, safe and respectful time and space for sharing and deliberation. Opinions should be based in fact and thoughtfully expressed.

Meaningful and Empowering: The public should have clear and transparent influence over the development and implementation of regional planning and policy.

Acting as a Region: The process should be designed to provide a regional approach to planning and public policy.

* Many of these principles were derived from AmericaSpeaks' Principles of Healthy Democracy, created at its 1997 conference, Designing for Democracy, at the Johnson Foundation's Wingspread facility in Racine, Wisconsin.