External link: http://apps.azdot.gov/ADOTLibrary/publications/QuickStudies/PDF/TRQS-08.pdf

Publication date: August 1, 2012

Capsule summary: This study looks into the current system and requirements of public involvement and interaction with policymakers in projects in the transportation industry.

Author(s): Tait, Timothy

Publisher(s): Arizona Department of Transportation: Research Center

Definition: Exploring methods of public involvement in transportation planning processes
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/public-involvement/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Kw
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Kw

No items found

Definition: A federally funded transportation policy-making organization, comprised of local government representatives and transportation authorities
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/mpo/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Nggks
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Nggks

Definition: Governmental agency focused on transportation
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/dot/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Nggj
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Nggj

Definition: Administrative subdivision of a state
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/county/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Ngdhc
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Ngdhc

Definition: A large urban area
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/city/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Ngdhs
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Ngdhs

Definition: A written or printed work.
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/resource-type/book/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: n/a
TRT Search Results Page: n/a

Description: The study investigates the role of public citizens in giving input in meetings for transportation projects- focusing on how leadership style of the staff is perceived by the public, how perception makes a difference in project and participation satisfaction, and how accurate public perception is to reality of their leaders’ experiences, etc. The paper includes qualitative and quantitative assessments to measure public perception and compile an ideal set of qualities, skills, and methods of interaction that the leaders should integrate to become more effective in the meetings to allow for more effective involvement by the public.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to analyze current structures of meetings and find methods to refine the means of public involvement in transportation projects while also meeting all the specified criteria of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The goal is to address various aspects of such public involvement including leadership and oversight, public interest, and the effects of collaboration, etc.

Findings: This paper drew from the feedback from participants of the public involvement sessions, in which the strongest perceived leadership characteristics were identified. The paper emphasizes that there is a correlation between strong perceived leadership style and the effectiveness, productivity, and legitimacy of a meeting with the public.

Recommendations: With the necessary attributes of an effective leader identified from the study, the report recommends strengthening those qualities in staff by creating training programs and having employees actively engage in the programs. The report also recommends there to be stronger outreach to increase community involvement.

Research Theme: Public Involvement

Community Type:

Transportation Mode:

Planning Scope:

Organization Type: City, County, DOT, MPO or RPO

Planning Subject: Forecasting, Planning Methods