Neighborhood Planning - Public Involvement

Public Involvement

The purpose of neighborhood planning is to understand what individual neighborhoods want to become. To understand this, public participation of neighbors is absolutely crucial. In reality, it is only at this level, where the actual number of parties is small, that true democratic decision making may be possible.

Many strategies may be used in to involve neighborhood residents in the planning process. Outreach methods can get the word out that planning is taking place. Planners can involve neighbors by collecting data and information about the area and how the residents use it. Residents can assist in the planning process itself. A democratic neighborhood plan includes all three methods.

Outreach Methods include five different techniques that may be used to inform the neighborhood that planning is taking place. The first type of method is personal contact and includes door-to-door visits and phone calls. This method is the most personalized, making it the most effective. It can also be the most time consuming. Time can be reduced by using a phone tree and distributing flyers to homes.

media—both printed and electronic—are useful communication methods. Many newspapers and radio stations will run a press release or public service announcement (PSA). Media outlets that won't disseminate information for free usually accommodate paid ad space.

The third form of outreach methods are field office/ drop-in centers. This involves having an actual place where members of the neighborhood can drop by and learn about the planning process (usually outside of a high traffic, high density area). These centers need to have an individual available to answer questions that neighbors may have. This is also a great opportunity to provide residents with surveys that would gather more information to assist the planners.

The fourth outreach method involves utilizing existing organizations as a way to inform residents on the planning process. This method can use varying strategies to accomplish its goal. One way is to obtain permission to insert brightly colored flyers into news publications or hang them in public offices or retail stores. Posters and papers displayed in public locations are a great way to utilize an existing organization.

The fifth and final form of outreach methods are displays at key settings. This method is similar to using flyers or advertisements as a way to inform residents of planning. However, is different in the way that it accomplishes this. This method involves using a large vacant lot or path of high traffic to display information to the neighbors. The lot needs to be in a central and busy area of the neighborhood to be effective. All of these methods are ways planners can collect information from neighbors and involve them in the planning process.

Other techniques of engagement can be carried out, the methodology chosen should be specific to the area and ideally be led by the local community. Questionnaires, workshops, exhibitions. Community development practitioners are often asked to assist with consultation as they can act as an independent facilitator to engagement.