Public involvement is a required part of land use planning in Oregon. This requirement is one of the things that make Oregon's land use planning program unique. The requirement for public participation is written in the first goal of nineteen in the statewide land use planning system.
Goal 1 calls for "the opportunity for citizens to be involved in all phases of the planning process." It requires each city and county to have a citizen involvement program that addresses:
- Opportunities for widespread public involvement
- Effective two-way communication with the public
- The ability for the public to be involved in all phases of the planning process
- Making technical information easy to understand
- Feedback mechanisms for policy-makers to respond to public input, and
- Adequate financial support for public involvement efforts
The goal also calls for local governments to have a committee for citizen involvement (CCI) to monitor and encourage public participation in planning. In Clatsop County, the Planning Commission acts as the CCI.