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, 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.

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.”