The involvement of local residents, community leaders and project stakeholders is critical to the success of our planning and design efforts. Greenways Incorporated has earned a reputation as successful facilitators for public involvement, education, conflict resolution, and consensus building. Every project we have completed has incorporated some level of public involvement. In order for local governments, organizations, businesses, and residents to fully understand and endorse a project or plan, it is essential to involve a diverse cross section of the public throughout the planning process. Having significant public input and contribution also helps when our clients present their adopted plans and apply for funding.
We implement several public involvement strategies as part of each planning exercise but can also provide public education seminars as standalone events. We have found that to reach more people, a combination of means to receive public input are necessary.
First, we assist in forming project steering committees, citizen advisory committees, and other stakeholder groups. We meet with these groups regularly to obtain guidance and define the overall direction for each planning effort.
Second, we generate ideas for creative public input strategies by working closely with our citizen’s advisory committees. We draw on their local knowledge of existing avenues for public outreach, utilizing popular local events, local media, active citizens, and public displays to generate interest and input.
Third, we develop comment forms and surveys, available in both hardcopy and online formats. Hard copy forms are made available at public meetings, local government offices, schools, HOA meetings, recreation centers, and churches. They are also distributed in mailings such as the municipal water billing service. The online surveys are easy to use and take only a short time to complete. Responses help determine community goals, define needs, and portray areas of concern.
Fourth, we keep local residents, government officials, and organizations informed through the publication of project newsletters. These can be developed multiple times throughout the planning process to provide detailed information about the process and planning stage.
Fifth, we assist our clients in conducting open house workshops for the general public to share information about the project, gather community input, and generate further support for our planning efforts. These workshops can be catered to each community and may include project slideshows and presentations, charette sessions, map markups, and comment forms. We have become increasingly aware that reaching the public may entail more creative means such as interception methods. For example, in Holly Springs, NC, we set up a tent with local staff on a fall Saturday morning to intercept the large number of families present for sporting events. In Black Mountain, NC, we set up a booth for public input during a popular summer evening concert, generating input from a wide range of people who may or may not have taken the time to attend a regular public meeting format.
Finally, we are always seeking new, innovative ideas for receiving public input with our clients. We are very willing to go that extra mile to ensure public participation. We understand that people live very busy lives and reaching them requires a more comprehensive and creative approach.
