Specific Public Involvement Techniques

Unlike in the hard sciences, there is no "one-size fits all" technique for public involvement. Instead, there’s an arsenal of techniques and the appropriate selection will depend on the specifics of the project and the public and political climate in which the project is being proposed.

To help determine the best public involvement strategy, the project team should ask and answer the following key questions:

1. Is the agency willing to take and consider public input? If there’s not a sincere desire to consider public input, it’s better not to even take it. When citizens can not see that their input has at least been considered, the agency loses credibility. That lack of credibility can build strong opposition among activists.

2. How far along is the project? What is the project timeline? Is there even an opportunity to build in public input? Public input is best taken at the beginning, during feasibility studies, when there is time to build it into the project. If a project has already been approved and is in progress, it may be too late to use public input. If the project is in the final design stage and public input is required, the project team should identify where public input can be taken and should recognize that a delay may occur in order to consider the stakeholder input and incorporate it into the project.

3. Is the project controversial? If a lot of emotion surrounds the subject, it’s harder to get meaningful input in an auditorium setting, where activists can grandstand and government officials can play to the crowd, for example.

4. Are opposition groups already formed? It’s important to understand who they are and their specific concerns. Public involvement activities should include opposition groups and address their issues.

5. Do elected officials support the project? If they do not, it’s likely the agency will be asked to show elected officials documentation as to how input was taken and what input was received. Regardless of their stance, elected officials should be briefed on input obtained, either by the project manager or by a documented summary of input received.

6. Is the media following the project? Be prepared for reporters to attend meetings and interview the public, and even for TV cameras to show up. No matter what meeting format is selected, the project team may have to contend with media. Cooperation is a must. Remember, the key to success with the media and the public is to be the first, and best, source of information.

7. What else is happening that affects the project? Is there an election soon? Has there been a chemical spill that has harmed the environment – and could harm opinions about the project? Has there been a change of leadership in an activist group?

Public Involvement Techniques

Techniques for Obtaining Input

AWWA Paper:

Page 1
Challenges of Forming an Interdisciplinary Team
- Identifying Key Stakeholders and Groups
- Forming Relationships

Page 2
Specific Public Involvement Techniques
- Public Involvement Techniques
- Techniques for Obtaining Input

Page 3
Effective Use of Citizen Committees

Page 4
Encouraging Teamwork Among Competing Public Relations Firms

Page 5
Providing Feedback and Information to Stakeholders

Page 6
Defining Project Success