This document summarizes a public participation plan for a new comprehensive plan. It outlines the planning process which includes three phases: plan kickoff, vision and plan framework, and the final comprehensive plan. It describes past public workshops, focus groups, and the guiding principles and goals of the participation plan which aims to be open, transparent, and enthusiastic. The plan details strategies for spreading information and garnering public participation through a variety of in-person and online activities and forums. It emphasizes monitoring, feedback, and transparency throughout the process.

1. Public Participation in
a New Comprehensive Plan
September 14, 2009
Greg Claxton
Planning and Development Department

2. Presentation Overview
• Where we are in the process
• Participation Workshop—August 5, 2009
• Focus Groups
• The Public Participation Plan
• Qualities and Characteristics of Effective
Participation Plans
• Questions

3. Planning process phases
The three phrases of the Comprehensive Plan create
the basic structure that organizes both public
involvement and work products.
1 2 3
Plan kickoff Vision & The Comprehensive
plan framework Plan

4. 1 2 3
Plan kick off Vision & The Comprehensive
plan framework Plan
1.1 1.2 1.3
Designing Beginning Beginning to
the process the process engage the public
Plan kickoff
• Consultant team meets community
• Gather and review existing data and plans
• Define process, including the participation plan
• Establish roles and responsibilities

5. August 5, 2009 Participation Workshop
• 70+ participants
• Answered 4 questions
• Chaotic but enthusiastic
• Tremendous amount of input / 25 pages

7. August 5, 2009 Participation Workshop
Q #1. What would make this interesting, engaging
and meaningful enough to participate?
– Creative, fun, exciting and interactive process
– Provide visual communication
– Ensure diversity and engage different groups of
people/inclusiveness
– Transparent, collaborative well defined process and
accountability
– Educate/Inform public on the process
– Impact plan has on quality of life

8. August 5, 2009 Participation Workshop
Q #2. What is the easiest way for you to
participate?
– Through information/communication technology
– Face-to-face/Small groups/interactive
– Convenient times and locations, etc.
– Effective promotion and communication
– Fun Innovative process

9. August 5, 2009 Participation Workshop
Q #3. Who needs to be involved that normally isn’t?
– Broad Spectrum
– Disenfranchised/Marginalized/Underrepresented /
Different cultural communities
– Kids/ Young People/College Students
– Families
– High AND Low Income
– People with nontraditional work hours
– People outside the urban core
– Businesses

10. August 5, 2009 Participation Workshop
Q #4. What are some ways to get them involved ?
– Educate/Communicate
– Advertise/Promote
– Make participation convenient/fun
– Provide childcare/food/transit/translators
– Make it about kids/Youth

11. Scientifically Selected Focus Groups
• Two groups—September 1 (10 participants) &
September 3 (9 participants)
• Participants were screened for some higher education,
non-Anglo, ETJ residents, variety of ages
• Generally supported the results of the August 5
workshop
• Asked questions which will be foundation of the first
community forum series (issue scan)
• Large majority born in Austin
• More than half signed up to receive plan updates
following the group discussion

12. Public Participation Plan: Guiding
Philosophy
Open to All: Participation in
the development of the
comprehensive plan is open
and inclusive of all of Austin
and its extraterritorial
jurisdiction. Participation is
encouraged across
geographic, demographic,
financial, and other lines.
Council comment: More specificity
in how we outreach to people who
are not normally engaged.

13. Public Participation Plan:
Overarching Goals
Community Engagement: Beyond staff and the
consultant reaching out, talking with, and listening to the
community, the community engages with itself, across the
traditional lines that divide Austin.
Transparency: Participants see their input reflected in
the outcomes from meetings and events and see how
those outcomes shape and influence the plan.

14. Public Participation Plan:
Guiding Philosophy
Enthusiastic and Vibrant: The process welcomes
and encourages enthusiasm, as a foundation for
becoming an increasingly vibrant city.
Council comment: More examples of fun activities throughout.

15. Public Participation Plan:
Objectives
• Build understanding of the project and credibility for
the process.
• Provide numerous and varied opportunities for public
participation and input.
• Understand the needs and interests of the City’s
diverse constituency.
• Carefully consider input and show a clear connection
between input and outcomes.

16. Public Participation Plan:
Participants and Roles
• Citizens • Comprehensive Plan
– Dedicated Participant
– Occasional Participant
Citizen Advisory Task
– Infrequent Participant Force
Council comment: Role of the
• Partners Task Force in synthesizing
– Community Leaders information.
– Volunteers
– Institutional Partners • Planning Commission
– Council comment: Inclusion of • The Austin City
the Technical Working Groups Council
and other Boards &
Commissions. Clear outline of • City of Austin Staff &
how all of these play together.
Consultant Team

17. Public Participation Plan:
Spreading the Word
• Web Site
• Media Outreach
• Online Social
Networking
• Newsletters, Updates
and Fact Sheets
• Speakers Bureau and
Presentations

18. Public Participation Plan:
Spreading the Word
• Austin Public Library
System
• Engaging Activities
• Email Blasts
• Lectures and
Discussion Events

19. Public Participation Plan:
Spreading the Word
• Brochures and Flyers
• Community events
• Book Clubs and
Reading Lists
• Meet-Ups

20. Public Participation Plan:
Public Participation
Public Kickoff and Open House (week of October 12)
• Tentatively scheduled for October 12, 2009 at the
Austin Convention Center
• Open house format
• Allow public to meet consultant team
• Initial issue identification
• Public input on the branding and logo for the
Comprehensive Plan

21. Public Participation Plan:
Public Participation
Community Forum Series
Community Forum Series #1 Issues and Aspirations: What do
we want Austin to be in 10, 20, 25 years and beyond?
SCHEDULED FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 9 THROUGH 13
Community Forum Series #2 Considering Alternative Futures:
What are we becoming? SCHEDULED FOR SPRING 2010
Community Forum Series #3 Selecting a Preferred Future:
What changes in direction are needed?
Community Forum Series #4 Draft Plan Review: What actions
should be taken to achieve the sustainable Austin of the
future?

22. Public Participation Plan:
Public Participation
• Web and Statistically Valid
Survey
• Focus Groups
• Meetings-In-A-Box
• Online Forums—Draft
Comments and Discussions
• Key Stakeholder Interviews
• Council comment:
How do these tie the Community
Forum Series together?

23. Public Participation Plan:
Transparency and Documentation
• Formal Documents—receiving public review
• Working Documents
• Media and Outreach Materials
• Project Journal

24. Public Participation Plan:
Monitoring and Feedback
• Mechanisms built into the participation process
― Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Task Force
― Partners
― Evaluation Forms
― Media Coverage
― Team Self-Evaluation
• Feedback can be used to adjust participation process
• Council comment:
Be more explicit here.

25. Public Participation Plan: Qualities
and Characteristics of Effective
Participation Plans
• Sound principles and objectives
• Meaningful input
• Clarity
• Flexible and adaptable

26. QUESTIONS?