Public Engagement - Project Development

Public Engagement and Communications

Public engagement is the ongoing process of involving the public in identifying and solving challenges and problems; using public input to make sustainable decisions; educating or informing the public about a topic or issue; or seeking to build meaningful connections and trust with the public through communication and interaction.

Activities may include:

Facilitating community participation in MnDOT’s planning, project development and decision-making processes
Holding or convening community meetings, focus groups or advisory committees to identify and solve problems or help MnDOT make a decision
Reviewing and analyzing public input to inform decision-making

A Public Engagement Plan is the starting point. The plan is updated and revised throughout the project development process. Staff should remain flexible by considering public and stakeholder agreement feedback and making adjustments as necessary to the Public Engagement Plan.

Public engagement planning involves six steps:

The Project Development-Public Continuum shows how to engage with the public throughout the project development process.

Project Development Continuum — The Project Development-Public Continuum shows how to engage with the public throughout the project development process.

Clearly define the project and MnDOT’s expectations and commitment
Identify stakeholders, issues, and needs
Determine the level of public involvement (inform, consult, involve, collaborate, empower)
Clarify the public’s role in decision making
Create and implement a public engagement plan
Evaluate engagement efforts (after action review)

Consult with Public Engagement Staff for assistance with public engagement.