For Publics we generally use the term stakeholders
Establish relationships early on Build trust and respect Concerns of stakeholders incorporated into the project early Delivering the project on time and on budget
Experience suggests that you will not please all of the people all of the time. However you should be trying to increase support for the project or at least to diminish opposition Once Positions are taken it becomes harder to shift them
Note on Empowerment
Aims Inform the community Allay concerns Bring up the misinformation they will hear, tackle it head on Identify champions Identify problems Engage in a meaningful dialogue with residents Avoid a public meeting – no control, mob rule, too many agendas in one room and frequently people who do not have a direct involvement are those stirring up the crowd