To open discussions about the issue and your advocacy campaign.
To communicate and clarify needs.
To communicate a sense of community concern about an issue.
To increase community awareness about the issue
To attract media attention
To bring more of the public over to your way of thinking
To recruit new members
To show your side of controversial issues
To re-open public dialogue on issues that have fallen out of the public mind
To counter your opponents' arguments against your group or initiative
To find a solution to a community problem or issue
To gather information
To take the pulse of the community
Public hearings generally don't cost a lot in terms of staff time and money, and they're a great way for your organization or initiative to get your message out to the public, the media, and elected officials.