Credit: John Makely / NBC News
Our world is always changing and how people connect with this change will determine whether or not it will be successful. While public participation is often remembered on a bigger scale by the large public protests, movements and actions it sparked such as the Boston Tea Party and the birth of our nation or Occupy Wall Street, it is just as valuable with smaller projects that have the potential to make big impacts to neighborhoods, cities and states. These types of local impacts are felt more directly then ones on a national level.
The Pearl Road Widening Project in Strongsville, Ohio.
(Credit: cleveland.com)
Maybe a highway or transit expansion or an update to a community plan is happening in your neighborhood. Or maybe change is coming to the corporation you work at or the educational institution your children attend. These are changes that will affect your daily life so who better to involve in the planning then the you? Providing opportunities for public participation and incorporating the input received will help create a smoother planning process and a more successful outcome. Having your voice heard and seeing your ideas implemented creates a sense of ownership and civic pride.
This month we will hear from some experts in public participation and highlight projects that have used it successfully. We will find out what worked, some lessons learned and how public participation added value to each of these projects and initiatives.
We want to showcase the importance of public participation and urge you to get involved. Take part in projects that will affect your community, city and state and make sure they are the best they can be.
We hope you will stay with us and we encourage you to participate in this month’s blog series by sharing your comments with us and sharing our blog with your own community.
Liz Faris, Account Manager
Collaborative Services, Inc.
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