Program Development and Implementation
Various techniques to be used in the LRTP PIP were chosen based upon the previously discussed identification and program design issues. The following publications were also used in determining appropriate techniques: "Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decision making," USDOT, September 1996; "Adoption of Guidelines on Citizen Participation in Local Transportation Planning," USDOT, January 1981; and "Guidelines for Public Involvement," ODOT, June 1980.
Below is a list of outreach activities, followed by a discussion of the technique including the specific objective of each and procedures to be used in implementation. EASTGATE will use all or a combination of the following techniques, depending upon the available resources, to involve the public in the LRTP planning process:
- Direct Mailings
- Newsletters
- News Releases
- Paid Advertisements
- Public opinion survey
- On-Line Services
- Shopping Centers & County Fairs
- Office Open-House
- Speaker's Bureau
- Citizen's Advisory Board
- Focus Groups
Direct Mailings
OBJECTIVE: To inform specific audiences through the distribution of pertinent information.
PROCEDURES: Using the mailing list developed in Phase I, disseminate letters, newsletters, plan information, etc. to inform the general public and encourage response.
Newsletters
OBJECTIVE: To inform specific audiences through the distribution of pertinent information; to encourage involvement through promotion of opportunities for the general public to become active in the process.
PROCEDURES: Using the mailing list developed in Phase I, distribute a newsletter. To involve the general public, distribute newsletter to libraries and or community groups.
News Releases
OBJECTIVE: To inform the general public through a wide-ranging distribution of pertinent information; to encourage involvement through promotion of opportunities for the general public to become active in the process.
PROCEDURES: Distribute news releases to various media.
Paid Advertisements
OBJECTIVE: To inform the general public of information available for review and/or public meetings to be held.
PROCEDURES: Purchase advertisements on local radio stations and in area newspapers.
Public Opinion Surveys
OBJECTIVE: To assess widespread public opinion on various transportation plans and reports, activities, and miscellaneous issues in the area.
PROCEDURES: Distribute opinion surveys to members of the general public.
On-Line Services
OBJECTIVE: To provide users of computer on-line services with round-the-clock opportunities to access information on transportation plans, reports, and activities and to provide comments and feedback.
PROCEDURES: Maintain a computer Web site to make transportation information available on-line through EASTGATE's website and through e-mail.
Shopping Centers & County Fairs
OBJECTIVE: To provide the general public with the opportunity to review, comment, and provide feedback on transportation plans, reports, and activities by setting up displays at public events (county fairs) and in public places (shopping centers).
PROCEDURES: Set up displays at the Mahoning County Fair, Southern Park Mall, and Eastwood Mall and have relevant transportation plans and reports available for review.
Office Open Houses
OBJECTIVE: To provide the general public with the opportunity to tour agency offices and observe the tools and equipment used in the transportation planning process as well as review, comment, and provide feedback on transportation plans, reports, and activities.
PROCEDURES: Hold periodic office open houses and have relevant transportation plans and reports available for review.
Speaker's Bureau
OBJECTIVE: To inform specific and general audiences through the focused distribution of pertinent information; to encourage involvement through promotion of opportunities for the general public to become active in the process.
PROCEDURES: Compile a list of speech topics. Create audio-visual aids to enhance presentation. Publicize speaker's bureau via news releases and other publications.
Citizen Advisory Board
OBJECTIVE: To inform specific and general audiences through the focused distribution of pertinent information; to encourage involvement through promotion of opportunities for the general public to become active in the process.
PROCEDURES: At each monthly meeting of the EASTGATE Citizen Advisory Board, provide details on transportation projects and related issues to inform the general public and encourage response.
Focus Groups
OBJECTIVE: To gauge public opinion of and obtain feedback on transportation issues through an in-depth discussion with a small group of individuals.
PROCEDURES: Hire a professionally trained consultant to conduct focus groups with members of the general public.
These techniques will be used to inform and attempt to involve the specific audience identified in Phase I as well as the general public. EASTGATE Committees and the EASTGATE General Policy Board will be updated periodically on the extent and effectiveness of the PIP during the LRTP development process.
Consideration of Public Comments
Public comments from the various sources will be organized and analyzed, where appropriate, so that the suggestions may be considered by EASTGATE staff and decision makers. Summaries will be prepared and disseminated to EASTGATE Committees and the General Policy Board.
When possible, EASTGATE staff will respond to those who participated in order to demonstrate the results of their involvement. This will be done via direct mailings, e-mail, the newsletter, or news releases.
