Public engagement is a process designed to build trust among residents and regional leaders by creating opportunities to be informed, contribute, and collaborate in the collective efforts of the broader community. There is no “cookie cutter” or “one-size fits all” approach to planning and public engagement. Every planning process must create unique opportunities to build relationships and use creative outreach approaches to ensure the plan meets the goals and objectives of the community. If done well, an effective engagement process will inspire action from community members, organizations, and leaders to implement the plan.

The purpose of the Public Engagement Plan (PEP) is to outline the regional planning process and describe opportunities to get involved. This includes information about the strategies deployed to engage the public and stakeholders, and the specific timelines and requirements for public comment during the development and adoptions of the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) plans and programs and the Interurban Trolley.