Transformational Community Engagement for Equity and Systems Change

This brief outlines CACHI’s approach to transformational community engagement, moving beyond one-off input sessions toward shared power, trust, and long-term partnership between residents, public systems, and community organizations. It explains why trust is central to sustainable systems change; names common pitfalls of “check-the-box” engagement; and offers practical strategies for centering residents as leaders, decision-makers, and paid partners. Drawing on real examples from ACHs across California, the brief highlights how communities are building resident governance, compensating lived expertise, and strengthening cross-sector collaboration to advance equity and accountability.