Loading

Loading
Home Page
City Home
  1. POP Home
  2. Typical Project Descriptions
  3. Public Outreach Tools
  4. POP Reference Guide and Tracking Workbook
  5. About the POP
Typical Project Descriptions

The following table describes common attributes of transportation impacts for each track, at each POP Level. This allows the user to refine decisions about the most appropriate POP Level for a transportation impact. For example, a District Project Manager answered the construction worksheet questions to the best of her knowledge for an upcoming road widening project, and landed on a POP Score of 2.5. The worksheet automatically rounded up to a POP Level 3 but after reading the typical project description, the project manager feels like her project is less complicated and this description does not exactly fit. Because her POP Score fell almost half-way between a 2 and 3, she reads the POP Level 2 description and discovers that this more accurately describes her project and proceeds with a Level 2 recommendation.
While simple categorization of outreach need provides the benefit of being able to plan for and better manage multiple projects, project managers and teams should remember that public involvement and outreach is a dynamic process. Adjustments are often required over the life cycle of a project, with corresponding changes in approach, strategy and tasks. Given this, be aware that a project may move from level to level on the chart as it evolves from phase to phase, or even within a single project phase. You can never complete the POP questions too often. If it feels like your project has grown less or more complicated, re-answer the questions and see where you come out.
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


POP Level

Score

Typical Project Description
Level 1
0 - 1
The likelihood of political scrutiny is low, and few stakeholders/groups must be coordinated with.

The project/effort is likely to be brief in duration and confined to a smaller area. The public is likely to have little interest or be supportive of the proposed project/plan, with little likelihood of controversy. Few if any direct impacts are expected to adjacent properties and the public. If this is being driven by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) this would likely be a Categorical Exclusion (CatEx).
Level 2
1.1 - 2
The likelihood of political scrutiny is low, and few stakeholders/groups must be coordinated with.

The project/outreach area is likely to be confined to a single neighborhood or section of the City. The project is either brief in duration with minor impacts to the public and adjacent property owners, or is more lengthy in duration but with little to no impact. Historically, public interest is either low, or the public has been supportive of similar projects. Care should be taken to reinforce the positive relationships that exist with various stakeholder groups. If this is being driven by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) this would likely be a Categorical Exclusion (CatEx).
Level 3
2.1 - 3
Political considerations are moderate, and the number of stakeholders/groups requiring coordination begins to rise in this level.

The project may span more than one section of the City and require more intense stakeholder coordination. For construction projects this is likely to last an entire construction season with moderate impacts to the public and adjacent stakeholders. Given the longer project duration and the rising level of impact, potential for controversy also begins to rise. Public interest levels also increase, as well as the likelihood for political or project detractors. If this is being driven by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) this would likely be a CatEx or Environmental Assessment (EA).
Level 4
3.1 - 4
There is a high level of anticipated political interest and multiple stakeholders, groups and organizations may require coordination by and with the project team.

The project/plan scope likely covers multiple neighborhoods and a larger geographic region or is a city-wide effort or plan. For public works, utility or construction projects, the project is likely to last one to two construction seasons and present significant delay and impact to the public. The number of adjacent property impacts is significant or the impacts to a lesser number of adjacent properties are more severe at this level. Given the above factors, the likelihood of controversy is high and the public interest may be high and may be primarily negative. If this is being driven by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) this would likely be an EA.
Level 5
4.1 - 5
Political implications associated with this study or project are considerable, with policy-level decision makers taking personal interest in project outcomes.

Corresponding agency interest is also high, with many government, agencies and special interest groups needing coordination and involvement. The project scope is large, with an extensive project or study area, and duration is likely to span years rather than months. Impacts may be heavy and of a long duration, ranging from extensive right-of-way acquisitions to severe lane restrictions and delay. Again, the likelihood for controversy is high, given the high stakeholder interest and potential for negative Department perceptions. If this is being driven by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) this would likely be an EIS.

 

Back to Top