Public Engagement Made Easy

This book offers practical and affordable methods for involving the public in planning. The tools and techniques in this book will empower planners, public managers, and decision-makers to implement effective public engagement programs that build trust within communities and contribute to successful, long-lasting decisions.

Local leaders don't need to become professional facilitators or hire expensive consultants to run a great meeting. Public Engagement Made Easy offers practical and affordable methods that bring ease to one of the most challenging aspects of any local leader's role: involving the public. The tools and techniques in this book will empower planners, public managers, decision-makers, and other leaders to implement effective public engagement programs that build trust within communities and contribute to successful decisions that stand the test of time.

Autorentext

Susan Charland, AICP, is a city planner, facilitator, and public engagement specialist. She has dedicated her career to helping local government leaders successfully engage with their communities. Charland provides training sessions on engagement techniques and has spoken about the topic at conferences around the US.

Inhalt

1. Introduction Part One 2. When Public Engagement Goes Sideways 3. What is Public Engagement? 4. Mistakes and Bad Techniques 5. Why No One Wants to do Public Engagement: Common Objections 6. The Benefits of Public Engagement Part Two 7. Three Rules of Public Engagement 8. How Decision Science Makes Public Engagement Easier 9. How to Prepare for Successful Public Engagement 10. How to Select the Right Techniques for Each Stage of Your Design 11. Facilitation Techniques for (Almost) Any Occasion 12. Measure Success 13. Social Media and Online Engagement Techniques 14. Appendix A: How-To Materials