Earlier this week we looked at ways to improve urban spaces by starting small and engaging the public. Yet there are times when more formal planning processes are needed. If, for instance, zoning codes need to be updated or changing economic conditions demand attention, small changes won’t keep your city running at peak performance. In this context, thinking systematically and carefully analyzing public understanding of and readiness for change is critical to ensuring a planning process where conflict is minimized and the conditions required for wise and sustainable decisions are optimized.
Our workbook will help you think through the obstacles you are likely to encounter and the resources you will need to support productive engagement with your public. Laying good plans for engagement, particularly with complex issues at stake, is at least as important as the engineering and other analyses that typically go into planning for development. You can find additional resources on ICMA’s Knowledge Network, which includes a planning topic area with extensive stories, plans, ideas, and experiences.
If you would like help thinking about how to minimize or navigate conflict in you planning processes, contact us at bdinfo@buildingdialouge.com.
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