Getting to know the various constituencies within a project area is a critical early step in developing a Public Involvement Plan for a transportation project. One method that can help in this effort is the key person interview, in which agency staff meets with an individual who is recognized as a leader in the community. This may be an elected official, the head of a local civic or religious organization, someone from a local newspaper or other media outlet, or anyone generally regarded as an opinion leader or community spokesperson. A series of such meetings can provide agencies with insights into how the community perceives the agency; how various constituencies like to receive information; who within the community may be a project “champion”; past projects that had difficulties in the area and why; and a wealth of other useful information that can help guide the public outreach and engagement process. For more, click here for an InGroup Whitepaper on Public Involvement in Transportation.
