The Public: Key to Successful Projects

Stakeholders are being asked to become partners with government agencies in developing and conducting transportation projects. Until the early 1970s, Federal, State, and municipal agencies planned roadway construction with little input from the communities affected by the work. By involving stakeholders in the decisionmaking process, New York City has emerged as a national leader in conducting public involvement programs. The city plans and constructs transportation projects from start to finish with the public’s input. Effective public involvement program requires a strategic outreach plan and teamwork. Before the program can begin, the outreach plan needs to include the following steps: identifying the target audience(s), determining what information is needed and when, and deciding on the communication methods that will be used to deliver the information.