Public interest is at the core of what planners do. But whose interest and what do you do when the public is not that into your project. Join us for this session where we will put public consultation on the line by sharing proven approaches for garnering input, holding meaningful conversations and sustaining public interest. Often the public doesn’t engage because they don’t know how it affects them or have limited time. Some are concerned about how their input is perceived by others in the community. Vocal participants don’t believe that they are being heard. This session is proposed as a “clinic” to engage participants to support learning that planners can apply in their daily work including: “We’re in a complicated relationship with your policy.” When consultation comments are vague, contradictory, and indecisive. “We think you’re trying too hard, and it’s kind of a turn-off.” When the public feels like the consultation process is overly formal or pushy. “We’re not ignoring you, we just need space… to completely avoid this survey.” When public response rates are… less than stellar. “We can still hang out, but we’re not, like, exclusive.” When the public half-engages with the process but won’t fully invest.
