Improving the Effectiveness of Public Meetings and Hearings. Participant Workbook(Revised)

摘要

During the past few years, in keeping with the spirit of the Intermodal SurfaceTransportation Efficiency Act of 1991, effective interaction between transportation agencies and the public has become a significant factor in determining the parameters within which any transportation project can be designed and implemented. Agencies throughout the country have attempted to develop techniques and programs to both facilitate community outreach and effectively utilize community input. This guidebook (and the workshops to which it is a companion) focuses specifically on the development and implementation of creative, realistic approaches to the preparation, conduct, and follow-up of meetings and hearings. Designed as a 'state of the art' report and introduction to a variety of techniques and proceeses, the guidebook is based on the practical community involvement experience of its authors, combined with a review of public meetings and hearing materials developed by a cross-section of State highway and transportation departments. It also acknowledges the relationship of meetings and hearings to a variety of other public involvement techniques, particularly those that take advantage of new technology such as computerized mailing lists, on-line services, and interactive television, as well as those that aim to provide easier, more flexible ways for under-represented groups such as ethnic, minority, disability, and low-income groups to participate.