Public participation in the decision-making process is essential for moving the community in a forward direction. However, it is most effective to involve the public in the very early stages of planning. Getting the public involved early in the process requires planners to make sure that everyone is on the same page with the necessary background information in order for everyone to be able to engage fully in reaching a decision point. Some recommended actions are a follows:
Direct Community Involement
- Use visioning exercises to set up “what-if” scenarios to ask the residents what are the most desirable aspects of the community.Conduct small workshops with a neutral facilitator in place that gives everyone at the table a chance to express their concerns or opinions about possible government actions. Invite staff and residents from other governments or organizations who can give their insight on future plans.
- Develop a temporary hotline for residents to express their concerns over certain planning projects.
- Have questionnaires available in every town hall office as a way to gather more information and suggestions from the public.
- Use mailing surveys to gauge the level of knowledge that the community has on a particular issue. Results from this survey can be compared with other communities to assess where public understanding falls short.
Take Advantage of Media Sources
- Work with the radio, internet, and television sources to advertise about current planning projects, important dates, and meetings.
- Arrange for notices or flyers to be distributed along with the local newspaper or newsletter.
- Generate an address, email, and phone database of residents that attend local city events and meetings. Use the email, phone, and internet sources to give notices to residents.
Go Outside the Box
- Conduct a speaker’s series that invites local professional and government officials that are involved in the in the planning process. Be open to inviting professionals from other jurisidictions, especially if governmental actions have been successful in those areas.
- Use existing projects or policies in other communities as model examples. Show how they have been effective. Use numbers and visual examples that can be shown in public meetings.
Directing a relationship between local government and the public is important for getting the most out of any decision making process. No one has to reinvent the wheel, but being creative helps social networking. Intergovernmental connections can also help facilitate partnerships and networks with outside agencies and local governments. Larger organizations or local governments with experienced staff and resources can help with gathering information, and with formulating the correct language to present to the residents . Using this list of recommendations is helpful to prioritize what the residents and staff see fit for the community.
Reference:
Beatley, Thomas and Kristy Manning. The Ecology of Place. Washington D.C.: Island Press. 2007.
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