Including local people in decision-making demonstrates an agency's commitment to participatory planning. At the contaminated U.S. Department of Energy site in Rocky Flats, Colorado, a community committee directed the planning of an off-site hazardous waste sampling program. Citizen committees oversee specific aspects of complicated programs. Community representatives work directly with project design consultants. Along with frequent public hearings, local representation served to satisfy public demand for a greater voice in the project.
Local people facilitate communication between decision-making bodies.
The Airport Policy Committee of the San Diego, California, MPO worked with officials to forge consensus on several controversial issues. These people provided a free flow of ideas, unconstrained by concerns for existing policies, and were able to help overcome political deadlock. Community representatives serve as informed spokespersons for an agency 's programs. Individuals from the Boise, Idaho, MPO citizen committee host public meetings, speak to other organizations, and attend neighborhood events. They use non-technical language to make citizens more comfortable and willing to participate in discussion.