tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903654081483839615.post536453102474553934..comments2010-08-23T00:23:37.475-07:00Comments on City Manager's Blog: Gregg Mandsagerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14039407078757268651noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7903654081483839615.post-37242937945897562462008-05-15T13:27:00.000-07:002008-05-15T13:27:00.000-07:00Here are some ideas that work in my experience:-in...Here are some ideas that work in my experience:<BR/><BR/>-informal newsletters mailed to residents with good graphics;<BR/>-community neighborhood meeting in living rooms to explain large infrastructure projects(I've done it and it's effective);<BR/>-periodic post cards with information;<BR/>-Neighborhood bulletin boards--set them up like Woodstock did;<BR/>-'Sketch-Up' graphic rendering of design information in 3-D that the public can understand more than plan and profile views of engineering projects;<BR/>-Organizing a public meeting and explaining a project in the neighborhood where it is supposed to happen;<BR/>-pre-construction staking of clearing limits with numbered stakes so residents can see the impacts and location of improvements like sidewalks to name one example;<BR/>-Use existing forums like Rotary luncheons/church newsletters/etc. to explain projects;<BR/>-Don't speak in jargon;<BR/>-Don't be afraid to engage in discussion (unelected public officials often are reluctant to explain their position and reasoning and come across as stonefaced or adament);<BR/><BR/>Don't fool yourself that official 'scoping meetings' or 'warned public hearings' are the most useful way to educate the public. They aren't typically.<BR/><BR/>Shawn M. Donovan<BR/>30 Shaw Street, Lebanon, NHShawn Donovanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02140390929495154998noreply@blogger.com