The Federal Highway Administration considers public involvement / public participation as an integral part of the transportation planning process. The process ensures that decisions are made in consideration of and to benefit public needs and preferences. By understanding the public needs and preferences, organizations, municipalities and county governments can strengthen relationships and transparency with the community.
InGroup, Inc., is a New York and New Jersey women-owned and small-business-certified firm that specializes in delivering outreach communications, public participation, and education and engagement activities. The company connects corporations and communities with engagement programs to inspire, inform, and interact with valued stakeholders. Implementation of outreach communications initiatives has shaped key decisions and actions throughout the project development process. Below are some key tips to ensure a successful public participation / public involvement process in your community:
- EARLY ENGAGEMENT – Start the public involvement / public participation process early
- EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION – Don’t talk at the public, but with the public and request their input
- CREATE AD-HOC GROUPS – Create committees, focus groups, or advisory boards in which the public can participate in the decision-making process
- INTERACTIVE PARTICIPATION – Conduct workshops and charrettes with interactive activities
- INNOVATIVE OUTREACH – Implement non-traditional tools for outreach such as the use of social media to push the message out; conduct surveys on key topics as a method to gather information and public input
- CONTINUE ENGAGEMENT – Routinely disseminate newsletters and fact sheets with project information to keep the public informed. Do not let 6-12 months pass before providing information to the public
“Opportunities for civic engagement go beyond transportation projects, outreach should occur in many different facets from utility projects to any other projects that may impact important stakeholder group(s),” said Marlene Pissott, president of InGroup. “The tips are universal and can be applied to the private and public sector.”
Organization, municipalities and local government have different methods to communicate with the public based on the particular project; however, the goal is to minimize discord and increase public participation. Begin the dialogue today!
