The legal and policy framework for public participation in the United States is made up mostly of laws and ordinances that are over thirty years old. This framework does not match the expectations and capacities of 21st Century citizens, it pre-dates widespread use of the Internet, and it does not reflect the lessons learned in the last two decades about how to engage citizens productively in public life. Most of these laws mandate public hearings, open comment periods, and other passive, formulaic participation processes; these processes are rated poorly by both citizens and public servants, and often seem to have a negative impact on policymaking and trust in government. This new model ordinance and accompanying state amendment, both of which are available on the DDC Resource Page, are tools that will help local leaders begin to update and strengthen the legal framework for public participation.