Public Engagement Techniques

Question 1

Design Charrette

Answer 1

Intensive collaborative effort that brings together citizens, stakeholders and staff to develop a detailed design plan for a specific area.

Question 2

Delphi Method

Answer 2

Structured process of public participation with the intent of a consensus decision. A panel of selected, informed citizens and stakeholders are asked to complete a series of questionnaires. Questions are typically written as hypotheses. After each round of questioning, feedback on responses is presented to the group anonymously. Participants are encouraged to revise their answers based on replies heard. Over time, the range of answers decreases and the group converges towards a single solution.

Question 3

Nominal Group Technique

Answer 3

Group process involving problem identification, solution generation, and decision making that can e used for groups of any size that want to come to a decision by vote. This allows for everyone’s opinions to be considered by starting with every member sharing their ideas briefly. Participants rank the solutions and then discuss. This can lead to further ideas or combination of ideas.

Question 4

Facilitation

Answer 4

Uses a person who does not have a direct stake in the outcome of a meeting to help groups that disagree work together to solve complex problems

Question 5

Mediation

Answer 5

Method in which a neutral third party facilitates discussion in a structured multi-stage process to help parties reach satisfactory agreement

Question 6

Public Hearing

Answer 6

Usually associated with the Planning Commission, City Council, or another governing body. Allow formal citizens input at the end of the planning process. Often mandated by law.

Question 7

3 Engagement Evaluation Techniques

Answer 7

1. Process
2. Outcome
3. Impact

Question 8

Ripple Effect Mapping (REM)

Answer 8

Method in evaluation to engage key stakeholders in assessing the impact of community engagement. Participants look back over a period of time to create a visual map of direct or indirect impacts of community engagement

Question 9

Plebiscite

Answer 9

The direct vote of all members of an electorate on an important public questions such as a change in the constitution.

Question 10

Participatory Rural Appraisal

Answer 10

A group of techniques that allow for the provision and analysis of information by the public. These are typically highly visual including creation of maps or picture cards.