Welcome to the Public Outreach Planner

Public Outreach Planner - Civic Facilities and Programs

Public involvement strategies and activities for the development or implementation of projects and programs related to parks and recreation, airport, library, transit, and other civic facilities operated by the City of Idaho Falls. If creating a long-range vision plan for your department, please use the long-range planning worksheet.

1. Select Appropriate Track

2. Answer Questions and get POP Score

3. Save POP worksheet

4. See POP Project Descriptions

5. Review POP Reference Guide and Outreach Tools

6. Fill out and save POP Reference Guide and Workbook

When filling out this worksheet, consider all City departments that may be involved in this project/effort. Filling out this worksheet collaboratively, in person, with all departments that might be involved will help in developing a more accurate POP score.

Project Name/Number:__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ _______________________________________________________

What is the anticipated project duration, or if there are multiple project phases, the duration of this phase?

? The calendar length of potential impacts is a strong indicator of communication need. History has taught project teams that the public can endure almost anything for a brief period of time, if the appropriate opportunities for involvement and notification are provided. When a project is stretched over years rather than months, a more rigorous public involvement and outreach campaign is typically warranted. If you have multiple phases of a project (i.e. planning, design, construction), consider the current phase you are in when you answer these questions.

How would you define the general public interest?

? Understanding the interest of the general public can be just as valuable as understanding your project. Some members of the community-at-large may not be specific project stakeholders, but still hold an interest in the project and a desire to be informed. Consider similar past projects and how the general public has shown (or not show) interest.

Historically, how has the public reacted to similar projects, impacts or efforts?

? Over time, project teams come to know and recognize geographic areas or special groups of people who have a history of particular reactions to similar projects. This historical perspective is vital to consider in planning for public involvement and outreach. Reviewing project histories and conversing with past project managers or team members is useful in finding out which areas or groups have strong opinions about the City in general or about specific issues relevant to your project. Keep in mind that oftentimes, the same level of effort is required to involve and outreach to a stakeholder who is extremely interested as someone who is upset.

What is the potential for stakeholder and/or special interest group conflict surrounding this project, project phase, or effort?

? Many factors are indicators for potential stakeholder conflict: access changes, light/noise impacts, utility impacts, right-of-way, parking changes, transportation route changes, impacts to business districts, etc. All of these provide ingredients for conflict with stakeholders. Taking these less technical - but no less important - considerations into account can guide project teams in planning appropriate public involvement and outreach. Care should also be taken to consider non- and quasi-governmental agencies (such as school districts), environmental and other special interest groups, and neighborhood and other citizen/community groups, as well as the potential for heightened attention on social media. Close coordination with existing groups will provide a strong foundation upon which other outreach activities can be built, be it coordination with one neighborhood and one city or multiple agencies and organizations.

How much outside agency (federal, state, local) and other local government involvement do you anticipate?

? The level of interest and coordination necessary with outside governments and agencies, including their elected and appointed officials should be considered. This could include neighboring municipalities, counties and groups or staff associated with these entities

How much media (social and traditional) attention do you anticipate?

? Considering the history of the issues surrounding your project and similar issues in your community, determining the level of interest it produced in newspapers (traditional and online), radio, television and social media sites can be a good indicator of the public's overall interest. Also, researching the level of media attention a project or similar issue from a different community garnered can be a good indicator of what the reaction to your project might be.

What level of impact do you anticipate to minority or low-income populations?

? From a public involvement perspective, outreach to minority and low-income populations often require efforts and resources beyond what might be considered traditional means. For example, low-income populations may not subscribe to the newspaper or have internet, therefore additional outreach in the form of mailers and door-to-door visits may be necessary to effectively involve this public. For many minority populations, English is not a primary language, therefore bi-lingual materials/translators may be necessary. Care also needs to be given to cultural customs and norms. By law, federally funded projects must identify and address disproportionately high and adverse human health and environmental effects on minority or low-income populations. Project teams need to consider the local community surrounding a project and determine if either of these populations live in the project area.

What is the potential impact to historical neighborhoods and or community structures/features during the project and after its completion?

? Project teams need to consider the public's relationship with the project area and all the potentially significant bridges, buildings, streets and landmarks within it. Also, the complexity of easement and right-of-way impacts must be considered. It is also important to consider the projects long-term effects to nearby properties. Consider questions with your project team such as: Will adjacent properties be adversely impacted by drainage and runoff? Will a long-time structures/landmarks be changed? Will visual/aesthetic changes associated with the project cause community concern?

What is the potential impact to natural resources during the project and after its completion?

? Potential impacts to water quality, surface water, wetlands, wildlife, fish and vegetation are all important considerations for their inherent effect on the natural environment. These types of impacts also have the potential for significant public interest by individuals and groups charged with both protecting these natural resources and by those determined not to let natural resources get in the way of a desired outcome. Both perspectives demand attention equal to the level natural resources are impacted by the project. In some situations, the actual impact to natural resources is far less than the perceived impact, but it is the level of perceived impact that will demand greater communication with the public.

10.

What is the likely level of impact to facility/program users? How much change from the normal service routine can the public expect from this project, project phase, or effort?

? While somewhat subjective, this question allows project teams to consider such factors as changes in facility type/location, hours of services, routes of services, changes to parking/access, addition/removal of programs, and any other impact that may impact or change normal routines of citizens using the service/facility. If this is a new program or facility, consider the time of the year and physical location work is occurring for implementation or construction. When answering this question, consider the impact to users both during your project/phase and upon completion.

11.

Which of the following best represents the level of participation you are planning?

? The IAP2 Spectrum of Public involvement was designed to assist with the selection of the level of participation that defines the public's role in any public participation process. This can be a good tool in assessing how much public involvement you may conduct. Click here to view the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation

POP SCORE

POP LEVEL

CLEAR FORM

Print this worksheet to PDF once completed. Consider adding the date to your file name and saving in your project folder.

Knowing your recommended POP level, please proceed to the following pages to help you answer these questions:

Is this the appropriate POP level?

The POP Level Typical Descriptions page describes typical impacts at each POP level to better help you determine the appropriate level of public outreach.

How do I actually reach out to the public?

The Tools and Techniques page will help you determine what tools and techniques would be appropriate and effective for your POP level.

POP Reference Guide and Tracking workbook

Click here to download the POP Reference Guide and Tracking workbook. This document contains all information needed to design your public outreach plan as well as the opportunity to track activities and trends.