Public Involvement Overview

The public involvement program for the U.S. 24/40 Corridor Study will enable two-way communication between the Project Steering Committee and public stakeholders. Successful public involvement programs provide mechanisms for all members of the community to:

• Have an opportunity to provide meaningful input
• Be involved in developing the corridor plan
• Stay informed of project findings and recommendations

Public Involvement Activities

This public involvement plan provides forums for public participation at various project milestones [See study schedule]:

Citizen Advisory Committee
The Citizen Advisory Committee will serve as an advisory group to the Project Steering Committee through providing input received from citizens, business owners, elected officials and other stakeholders as the study develops. This committee is selected by the Project Steering Committee, and may include elected officials and representatives from the Leavenworth Area Development Corporation, chambers of commerce, business owners, residents, church officials, school officials and developers.

Focus Group
The Focus Group session will involve community stakeholders, city/county staffs, planning commissioners, and representatives from public agencies. This facilitated small-group session will compile and summarize general issues identified to date, clarify the issues, explore possible solutions, and rank the importance of each. Following breakout groups, participants will share the results of their discussions with the whole group. Results will be used as a basis for preparing for the visioning workshop and for the planning policy charrette.

Visioning Workshop
The Visioning Workshop will provide the public an opportunity to view the visual qualities of the existing corridor and express their preferences for the future development of the corridor identity.

Planning Policy Charrette
The Planning Charrette will be a multi-hour, interactive workshop to develop action strategies that help the Tonganoxie, Basehor, and Leavenworth County participants reach “preferred” planning and policy decisions for the U.S. 24/40 corridor. The charrette will allow the participants to present issues and concerns and develop ideas and concepts into solutions. Breakout groups will include representatives from the various jurisdictions to foster regional cooperation and consensus. At the end of the session, specific decisions are identified and participants have a chance to see the results of a cooperative planning effort.

Alternatives Open House Meeting
One public open house will be conducted in the corridor to present a project overview and various alternatives for transportation corridor management, land use regulations and corridor identity. These alternatives will be based on input from the survey and focus groups, and from standard planning and engineering practices. The public will have a chance to meet one-on-one at exhibit stations for individual questions and comments.

Recommendations Open House Meeting
One public open house will be conducted in the corridor to present the recommended plans for transportation corridor management, land use regulations and corridor identity. These recommendations will be presented to the public, allowing the public the opportunity to ask questions and receive comments.