There are three general categories of potential public involvement strategies that the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) can use. These strategies can enhance public involvement for a specific activity or assist BRTB in meeting specific public involvement goals.

The first category includes outreach strategies. These strategies can assist BRTB in maximizing their outreach and reaching the largest and widest audience possible. These strategies can also assist in reaching traditionally underserved and non-participating communities and populations.

The second category is information and education strategies. These strategies include those methods that can best provide information on the transportation planning and process to the public and educate citizens. This information should be simple, convenient, and interesting.

The third category is involvement strategies. These strategies include those that assist in making participation easy and convenient for the public so that it can be an ongoing relationship. By making participation easy and convenient, the BRTB can increase the quality and amount of involvement they receive.

As often as possible, information published or presented by the BRTB will incorporate images, photos, graphics, and other means of visually describing transportation issues and alternatives as a strategy for promoting public understanding of the material being presented.

These strategies will be reviewed and modified as needed. Strategies that best increase outreach, information, education, and involvement will continue to be used. Strategies that do not increase outreach, information, and education will be altered or discontinued.

Maintain mailing list to include all current and potential stakeholders. Stakeholders include general public; environmental, health, neighborhood, citizen, and civic organizations; traditionally underserved communities; and affected public agencies.

Create partnerships with a wide range of outreach professionals, community groups, jurisdictions, and agencies. Utilize these resources to publicize activities and events to reach broader audience and/or take leadership role in public participation efforts in their area.

Build relationships with stakeholders to maintain a dialogue on transportation and to garner continued interest in process.

Identify and meet with organizations and community leaders who represent non-participating low-income and minority populations. The purpose is to build relationships and earn trust with groups and leaders as well as identify strategies to bring traditional non-participants into the planning process.

Hold meetings, activities, and other public involvement events at various geographic locations at which the targeted populations congregate including community centers, fairs and festivals, churches, and other popular destinations. Meetings located on transit lines are most accessible.

Develop an outreach and education program

Produce such materials as pamphlets, brochures, and workshop outlines that can be used in various presentations and for distribution. Some of the materials can target non-traditional participants. Periodically review and update materials.

Maintain and promote a speaker’s bureau

Work with the Citizens Advisory Committee to establish a Speaker’s Bureau, standard presentation, and training process. Train BRTB members, staff, and other volunteers to present information to educate different groups about the MPO process and other relevant topics.

Publicize BRTB activities

Create a media strategy to publicize BRTB activities through B’More Involved, the BMC web site, newsletters, and other media. Provide media with periodic updates of BRTB activities as well as press releases to announce public review and comment periods for major transportation planning products and activities.

Maintain a web site

Provide information on BRTB activities, meetings (including agendas and minutes), newsletters, and draft documents under review. Provide an opportunity for the public to provide input and formal comments through a questionnaire posted on the web site and e-mail links.

Produce and distribute newsletters

Produce and distribute electronic and paper newsletters to include timely information on targeted topics related to transportation planning and public participation activities. Include related column in BRTB newsletter.

Use visualization techniques

Use visualization, interactive, and other graphic techniques to enhance understanding of transportation issues and decisions.

Conduct information workshops

Host workshops on specific transportation planning topics or general process. Provide opportunity for involvement through interactive exercises, comment sheets, and/or verbal comments.

Hold open houses

Present information buffet-style at tables and exhibits around the room. No fixed agenda or formal presentation. Provide opportunity for involvement through interactive exhibits, exercises, comment sheets, and / or verbal comments.

Hold public meetings

Disseminate information and provide a setting for formal public comment or discussion at appropriate intervals in the BRTP and TIP development processes. BRTB members are in attendance to listen to and discuss public comments and concerns.

Conduct interactive workshops and meetings

Use interactive activities, games, tours, and other techniques to illustrate and discuss transportation issues, projects, and needs in a meeting setting.

Conduct surveys

Gather information on people’s perceptions, preferences, and practices.

Conduct focus groups

Conduct small group discussions used to gather perspectives, insights, and opinions on a single topic. Such groups usually consist of no more than 12 participants.

Work with the Citizens Advisory Committee to review, evaluate, and improve upon public involvement techniques and outreach efforts.