Create opportunities for involvement, 
or "Participation=Meetings"

Meetings, or the gathering of stakeholders, are the primary venue for public participation.

Meetings can be used at different stages of the planning process, from early issue identification to final evaluation of options and designs, and should be inserted prior to key decision points. A meeting's objectives (e.g., exchanging information, identifying issues, visioning, problem solving, and evaluating options) will determine its design, participants, format, location, and timing of the meetings. The meeting's effectiveness will be determined by the level of interaction and the number and representativeness of participants.

Poor attendance at meetings may be due to a number of reasons including insufficient public interest in the issue, poor planning of the meeting (e.g., time, place), and general public cynicism that their involvement does not make a difference. It is important for planning agencies to demonstrate their interest in and use of public comment to enhance the effectiveness of public meetings.

The planning agency organizes the meeting and prepares pre-meeting materials, including meeting announcements, agendas, displays, audio-visual materials, and any mailings or publicity that are necessary. It is important to consider the needs of people with disabilities and transit access in selecting a convenient place and time. Agency staff usually conducts meetings, but a professional facilitator can lead the meeting if the issue discussed is controversial.

Tips for running a meeting [LINK]

Several specific types of meetings can be scheduled, as described below: