Public Participation
West Fargo leaders determined in 2016 that it was important for the community to develop a new comprehensive plan, to provide a vision for the community going forward. With the extensive growth and changing demographics of the community, it was essential to undertake a community engagement process unlike anything previously experienced. The city contracted services with Town Planning and Urban Design Collaborative (TPUDC) who brought a focused and multi-faceted public engagement process to the table. The new planning effort was named West Fargo 2.0. by Larry M. Weil, West Fargo, North Dakota
The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada has initiated several novel and creative outreach efforts to obtain community input and promote the RTC’s various messages and plans in memorable and engaging ways. In a city as exciting and energetic as Las Vegas, competing for the public’s time and attention to secure input on mobility, transit and transportation is no small feat. So thinking outside the box is not just important, it’s critical. by Angela Castro, Senior Director Government Affairs, Media Relations & Marketing of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Planners and community advocates have a complex relationship. On the one hand, advocates spur community dialogue and increase community awareness. On the other, advocates can be seen as opportunistic rabble-rousers who use conflict to build support for their organizations - and justify their existence. by Shawn Hill, Executive Director, Valley Advocates for Responsible Development
Tips to improve the usability of government documents.
Basic tips that can help you navigate through the challenges and pitfalls of communicating with the public.
A case study in Douglas County, Colorado that highlights why a planner should be nimble enough to work through the twists and turns of a contentious and long running land use application. by Katherine E. Rider, AICP
The library’s plans played a critical role in the creation of the new Billings Public Library. by Candi Millar, AICP
Welcome to City Planning Day in Mrs. Paula Farley’s seventh grade class in Spearfish, SD. Story by Jayna Watson
Agenda 21 - Related Articles
Columnist Erick J. Aune, AICP, discusses how the advancement of liberty, independence, and security can be found at the core of most policies striving for sustainability.
Understanding the resulting deep motivators of resistance behavior can help planners. by Erick J. Aune, AICP, Sante Fe, New Mexico
MIG, Inc. reviews practices when addressing Agenda 21 activism in public planning workshops. by Joan Chaplick and Ellie Fiore, AICP, MIG, Inc.
WPR President Dan Pava, AICP, sums up how Western Planners should frame claims that our work is somehow a conspiracy borne of the United Nations Agenda 21.
When talking to a non-planning audience, planners should avoid relying on jargon and explain what terms mean. by Kristina M. Cerise, AICP, Seattle, Washington
James A. Bacon suggests that local governments should consider prioritizing investment by Return on Investment or comparable metrics such as years of payback.
In 2013, the WP reached out to planners to find out the impact of Agenda 21 activism on local and regional planning efforts.
Art of Public Engagement Columns
To have genuine public engagement in planning or any community process, we must honor a commitment to at least report if not actually incorporate what people have to say.
Columnist Lee Nellis, FAICP, explores using moral foundations when dealing with controversial issues.
That a rational person will not spend his or her limited time and energy seeking out contrary opinions. From a personal perspective, it is (or at least seems) best to stay within the comfort zone of one’s family, friends, and favorite political pundits.
Columnist Lee Nellis, FAICP, reviews the work of Professor Dan Kahan on the role of individual identity in polarization and how it relates to planning.
Columnist Lee Nellis, FAICP, discusses the importance of explaining complex topics in straightforward terms.
Columnist Lee Nellis, FAICP, discusses the impact of people’s stories on the planning process.
Columnist Lee Nellis, FAICP, reviews ways to add a little fun into planning.
Columnist Lee Nellis, FAICP, discusses how some techniques may impact the public process.
Columnist Lee Nellis, FAICP, challenges planners to change the shape of the box in community conversations.
Columnist discusses the importance of planners acknowledging peoples’ participation. by Lee Nellis, FAICP
Lee Nellis, FAICP, focuses on the next principle for public engagement set forth by the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation.
Lee Nellis, FAICP, focuses on the openness and learning principle for public engagement set forth by the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation.
The columnist returns to working through the Core Principles for Public Engagement. by Lee Nellis, FAICP
The columnist points out how to make your next public engagement experience one that produces results. by Lee Nellis, FAICP
The columnist offers suggestions to planners about finding the beauty in what they do. by Lee Nellis, FAICP
Columnist Lee Nellis shares strategies from a South Dakota planner.
Columnist Lee Nellis discusses that the fundamental message of planning and good citizenship is simply that “we are all in this together.”
A pioneer of planning in the West Lee Nellis offers insights.
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