When in doubt, include people rather than leave them out, even if they may be opposed to the project. Initiate participation early in the planning process. Provide ways for the public to become actively involved through walkability audits, design charrettes, collecting survey data, or by simply providing frequent opportunities for public feedback. Respond promptly to requests for information, and make the process as accessible as possible to the public. Workshops and charrettes are meetings that are intended to get the public more actively involved in the design process.
Smaller groups work together to brainstorm solutions for a particular project.
Project newsletters and websites provide ways to give regular project updates to a wide audience. Websites can also be made interactive to enable people to provide their comments on-line.