Public participation in urban planning is fundamental to democratic governance and plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainable urban development. This paper examines the effectiveness of early public involvement in urban planning processes in Latvia, using survey data from Latvian municipal building authorities. The study highlights the importance of involving citizens early in the urban development process to reduce potential risks such as protests and project delays. The findings suggest that while many experts recognise the value of early citizen involvement, formal public consultations remain essential. The paper argues that enhancing public participation, particularly through innovative and inclusive mechanisms, can improve decision-making, foster trust and increase government agility in crisis management. These findings contribute to ongoing discussions on the evolution of public participation practices and their impact on urban governance and development.