Managing a Public Involvement Program

Abstract

Developing a public involvement program and determining what procedures and methods are effective in water resources planning are described. Analysis is based on experiences in the development and management of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Public Involvement Program as part of a flood control project. Guidelines from previous efforts are identified as they relate to the goals of: (1) Involving the public in a study; and (2) meeting the objectives of a study. The public involvement program used such methods as a Delphi panel, public meetings and workshops, public information fact sheets, media contacts, and information packets. These methods were used in identifying water‐related problems and evaluating alternatives to those problems. Methods should be carefully selected, focusing on program purpose and expectations. The flexibility of a public involvement program should also be a major consideration, to allow for change as a study progresses.