This article argues that legally required public participation methods in the US, such as public hearings and review processes, are ineffective and counterproductive, often causing anger and mistrust. These methods fail to achieve genuine public participation, do not satisfy the public, and do not improve decision-making. They also fail to incorporate a broad spectrum of the public. The authors propose that collaborative public participation, which involves multiple stakeholders working together, is a more effective approach. This method allows for authentic dialogue, networks, and institutional capacity, which can better meet public participation goals and resolve many of the dilemmas of conventional methods. Research shows that collaborative participation can solve complex, contentious problems and create an improved climate for future action. The authors suggest that participation should be understood as a multi-way interaction among citizens and other players who together produce outcomes. They propose next steps such as developing an alternative practice framework, creating forums and arenas, adapting agency decision processes, and providing training and financial support. The article also discusses the challenges of implementing collaborative participation, including legal restrictions, the need for technical assistance, and the resistance of entrenched institutions. Despite these challenges, the authors believe that collaborative participation has more promise for addressing the dilemmas of participation in contemporary society. They argue that collaborative methods are more legitimate than legally required methods because they better serve the purposes of participation. The article concludes that collaborative participation can help build civic capacity and create a more intelligent society better able to adapt to changes and address controversial issues.This article argues that legally required public participation methods in the US, such as public hearings and review processes, are ineffective and counterproductive, often causing anger and mistrust. These methods fail to achieve genuine public participation, do not satisfy the public, and do not improve decision-making. They also fail to incorporate a broad spectrum of the public. The authors propose that collaborative public participation, which involves multiple stakeholders working together, is a more effective approach. This method allows for authentic dialogue, networks, and institutional capacity, which can better meet public participation goals and resolve many of the dilemmas of conventional methods. Research shows that collaborative participation can solve complex, contentious problems and create an improved climate for future action. The authors suggest that participation should be understood as a multi-way interaction among citizens and other players who together produce outcomes. They propose next steps such as developing an alternative practice framework, creating forums and arenas, adapting agency decision processes, and providing training and financial support. The article also discusses the challenges of implementing collaborative participation, including legal restrictions, the need for technical assistance, and the resistance of entrenched institutions. Despite these challenges, the authors believe that collaborative participation has more promise for addressing the dilemmas of participation in contemporary society. They argue that collaborative methods are more legitimate than legally required methods because they better serve the purposes of participation. The article concludes that collaborative participation can help build civic capacity and create a more intelligent society better able to adapt to changes and address controversial issues.