Performance Measures for Public Participation Methods : Final Report

2018PDFTech ReportPRC 17-89 FPublic participationTransportation planningHighway planningDecision makingPublic opinionPerformance MeasuresTexasUnited StatesTexas A & M University. Transportation Policy Research CenterGriffin, GregStoeltje, GretchenGeiselbrecht, TinaSimek, ChrisEttelman, BenMetsker-Galarza, MadisonTexas A & M University. Transportation Policy Research CenterTexas A&M Transportation InstituteUS Transportation CollectionPublic engagement is an important part of transportation project development, but measuring its effectiveness is typically piecemealed. Performance measurement\u2014described by the Urban Institute as the measurement on a regular basis of the results (outcomes) and efficiency of services or programs\u2014is already widely used in the transportation field. This study illustrates how policy can support continuous improvement of public engagement\u2019s role in transportation development and operations by applying straightforward concepts of performance measurement to the complex interactions between the public, transportation agencies, and the policy makers addressing Texas\u2019 present and future needs. This study offers transportation organizations the tools to create a systematic approach to documenting and managing public engagement processes. This approach can both identify areas for improvement and demonstrate how the public\u2019s engagement in the transportation decision-making process leads to more efficient project or plan development. It can also be a mechanism to show the public how their input is used