People who attend meetings are asked if they would like to be considered for CAC membership. In appointing members, the Authority proactively seeks diversity and balance of representation by race, gender, neighborhood activists, business interests, the disability community, bicycle proponents, et al. The CAC is used as a sounding board by the Authority on a wide variety of transportation issues. Diversity in viewpoints is a plus, to ensure full discussion. In many areas, such as the San Francisco Bay area, agencies make targeted efforts to involve freight interests.
People participate by examining and discussing issues with others.
A CAC helps monitor community reactions to agency policy, proposals, and progress. For example, in Pennsylvania a CAC helped determine the extent to which a highway project would affect a rapidly developing area in the Pocono Mountains. A CAC elects its own leader. Typically, CAC members select a leader who can deal with agencies in an open and friendly manner and who is sensitive to group dynamics and able to effectively lead the discussion and draw opinions and positions from participants. A CAC requires support staff within an agency, and the work can be substantial.