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It is a sunny Saturday afternoon. As usual, throngs of people are at the local mall, shopping, strolling, greeting their friends and neighbors. Prominent among the storefronts, and attracting considerable attention, is something new: a display about Our Town ... what it is and what it might become, depending on the planning decisions that soon will be made.
Mounted attractively on tabletop boards are photos and drawings and easy to read text about alternatives. Staff in leisurely dress is available to answer questions and there are brief comment forms to fill out. There are even balloons for the kids. Why go to all that bother … and at the mall? Because that is where the people are!
Public involvement that informs people of their choices and truly engages their hearts and minds while remaining civil is increasingly difficult. People with strong opinions always will find ways to be heard. But isn't it at least as valuable, or even more informative, to learn what less vocal but still concerned folk think? In an ideal world, we can engage them before the controversy erupts, or perhaps diffuse it entirely with sound dialogue and conversation.
From more than 25 years experience designing and facilitating public participation processes, it is obvious to me that the most successful are those we take out to the people ... not when we expect them to come to us. Only the most committed or zealous citizens will spend their precious time at a public meeting, no matter how important planning board or staff thinks it is. There are many other ways. Consider these tips as part of your job.
As noted above, regularly display easy to read information at the local library, mall, or community center, ideally with staff present, always with opportunities for the public to write down their comments.
Reach out with speeches and presentations. Deal with neighborhood concerns in the affected neighborhoods, meeting in living rooms, libraries, and schools. Talk to businesspeople and community activists at their civic clubs and in church basements. Take the issues to them and listen to what they tell you. This cannot displace your legally required public hearings, but does provide valuable additional forums.
Use the Web actively. Nearly every community has a Web site, some more ambitious and attractive than others. Post your information there and invite (and answer) comments and questions, honestly and regularly.
These ideas are just starters. What would work in your community? Begin by asking this uncommonly discussed question and you will think of many creative ideas. Most importantly, you will reach people who may never otherwise be involved in civic activity -- and you may even enjoy it.
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Elaine Cogan is a partner in the Portland, Oregon, planning and communications firm of Cogan Owens Cogan. Her column, "The Effective Planning Commissioner," regularly appears in the