We will use a variety of techniques to encourage early and continuous public participation throughout the development of our plans.
The following techniques and strategies will serve as a guide for project managers to consider when developing the public participation component of a project. Finding a balance of various techniques and strategies will be key, resulting in a tailored mix of approaches that ensure early, continuous and accessible public participation.
We will collaborate with the Public Affairs department and other transportation agencies to help deploy these techniques and strategies.
Surveys
Surveys are a great way to receive feedback and input on a multitude of issues. They help us develop a valid representation of public opinion. The best method for delivering surveys is online, although some paper surveys may be handed out at in-person functions. Surveys are delivered during or after meetings or open houses, and on social media. A statistically significant survey requires more time and financial investment, usually working with a consultant.
Pros
Reaches a wide audience; Can be representative of public opinion; Questions are consistent; Easy to share and access.
Cons
May not allow people to provide further input or raise other questions; Can miss important feedback; May not be statistically valid.
How to measure
Analysis of data; Demographics of survey participants; Number of participants.
Resource usage
Staff; Financial; Time.
Stakeholder Interviews
Stakeholder interviews are typically small groups or one-on-one interviews with people such as housing developers or neighborhood association leaders who have a lot of knowledge of particular issues. They're more informal and because they're in a relaxed setting it encourages people to speak up and participate. Interviews are helpful in building trust and alignment on projects.
Pros
Personal, comfortable groups; Helps develop trust and transparency; Helpful in answering specific questions.
Cons
Lower number of participants; Doesn't reach a wide audience.
How to measure
Number of participating stakeholder organizations; Demographics of attendees; Feedback from surveys.
Resource usage
Staff; Financial; Time.
Newspapers
Newspapers provide both a print and digital medium for public notices about MARC plan updates. MARC is committed to posting notices and information in a timely manner in publications that attract a diverse readership and reports in areas across the region. MARC will monitor the effectiveness of public notices and ensure that notices are being published in publications that reach historically marginalized populations in the region.
Pros
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Cons
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How to measure
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Resource usage
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Social Media
With the use of social media, MARC can actively engage a diverse audience across multiple platforms. A well-marketed social media campaign engages more people and is easy to access. MARC has several social media feeds that provide important information about events, projects and public comment opportunities. While MARC primarily uses these tools for communicating information to the public, the public can communicate back to MARC with comments or questions.
Pros
- Requires fewer resources
- Convenient way to access information
- People can access information on their own time
- Can reach a wide audience
- Gives voice to those who might not be comfortable speaking up in person.
Cons
- Some may not have the technology or skill to access information
- Anonymity can sometimes lead to toxic behavior
How to measure
- Number of social media followers
- Number of content interactions, including comments on social media posts
Resource usage
- Staff
- Financial
- Time
Focus Groups
Focus groups bring together small groups of participants to discuss specific topics in depth. They help identify barriers to participation, explore solutions and gather feedback from people who may be less likely to engage through surveys or public meetings. Focus groups can be conducted in person or online.
Pros
- Helpful to get feedback from people who traditionally would not participate
- Personal, face-to-face interactions with staff and other community members
- Focus on specific issues and gather more in-depth feedback
- Online focus groups can increase attendance and save resources
Cons
- Might not always accommodate those who want to participate
- Online focus groups may exclude people who do not possess the technology, skill, or knowledge to access it
How to measure
- Demographics of attendees
- Number of participants
- Survey feedback
Resource usage
- Staff
- Financial
- Time
In-person meetings and open house events
In-person meetings and open houses give community members opportunities to learn about a project, ask questions and share feedback. Open houses offer a flexible format that allows people to participate on their own schedule, while meetings can be formal or informal. These events help keep the public informed throughout the planning process and provide valuable input that shapes decisions. MARC is committed to open communication, meaningful engagement and listening to community perspectives.
Pros
- More convenient personal, face to face contact
- Allows for easy, impromptu conversation between MARC staff and the public
Cons
- In-person meetings may not be as flexible due to a set meeting schedule
- Can be resource intensive
How to measure
- Number of attendees
- Demographics of attendees
- Post-meeting surveys.
Resource usage
- Staff
- Financial
- Time
Piggyback Meetings
Community members have previously identified they are more likely to attend meetings by well-known and established community organizations (YMCA, neighborhood association, Rotary Clubs, etc.) more than a formal meeting. Piggybacking off already established meetings in the community helps spread awareness, builds legitimacy, and increases participation.
Pros
- Reaches a wide audience
- Uses fewer resources
- Informal nature is more comfortable
Cons
- Might not be at a convenient location or time
- Not everyone at the meeting may be interested
How to measure
- Demographics of attendees
- Number of attendees
Resource usage
- Staff
- Financial
- Time
Pop-up meetings
Pop-up meetings are useful to engage the community and obtain feedback on specific planning projects. Pop-ups are a great option for engaging with people where they are and should be used as a complement to online engagement or public meetings. Meetings generally target areas that will be impacted by specific transit planning projects.
Pros
- Provides feedback from targeted audiences and those who might not attend a traditional public meeting
- Meets people where they are
- Informal in nature, may be more comfortable for people to share their thoughts
Cons
- Meetings may not be at a convenient time for participants.
How to measure
- Demographics of attendees
- Number of attendees
Resource usage
- Staff
- Financial
- Time