Humphrey School News on-the-go

Zhirong "Jerry" Zhao and Kathryn Quick complete study on public engagement in transportation policymaking.

The benefits of public engagement include the contribution of valuable resources and knowledge by participants, Zhao and Quick say. It generates better buy-in and limits delays, mistakes, and lawsuits, with stakeholders being more likely to accept a decision reached in a participatory manner--even if it was not their preferred decision. It can help build relationships that facilitate communication and collaboration among different parties. It may also lead to more inclusive, democratic, and equitable decisions about how to utilize limited public resources, the researchers suggest.

CTS Report
January 1, 2012