“The number and nature of groups wanting access
to public issues; planning and
decision-making is exploding.”
~ D. Connor

In order for any planning or design project to be a success, the residents, business owners, and community leaders must be involved throughout the process.

There are numerous types of surveys and meeting formats that can be used to gain public input in a productive manner. A brief description of the more common meeting styles is provided below.

• Community Forums - Usually held at the start of a process in order to listen to the concerns of residents. Typically, feedback is gained through written surveys and group discussion.
   
• Community Surveys - Over the past two decades, community surveys have evolved from the traditional written surveys, which are still used today, to include visual surveys or internet based questionnaires.
   
• Design Charrette - A half day or longer workshop that is focused on predetermined geographic areas. The attendees are split into groups of less than twelve people and are asked to help “draw” their ideas on aerial photographs or maps.
   
• Open House - This meeting is typically set up around a series of stations at which those in attendance can walk through at their leisure. Each station has a different piece of information about the project and is staffed by a person from the project team. Typically, these are held near the end of a planning process.

The Steinmetz Planning Group can help you determine which meeting formats and survey techniques are best for your community. Once the meetings have been organized the planners at the Steinmetz Planning Group will staff and facilitate your community forum, charrette, or open house.