01156947

Component

This paper describes a model for public outreach and engagement developed specifically to reach out and involve historically under-represented communities: communities of color, immigrants and refugees, the disabled, seniors and youth. This model, known as the "Trusted Advocate", recruits, trains and compensates members of these communities who are well-respected and credible within their groups to play leading roles in the outreach and engagement process; and, in addition, offer critical advice to planning staff on a range of tactical devices helpful to meaningful engagement of the under-represented. The paper uses Seattle's neighborhood planning process (and preparation of the transportation element) as a case study within which to examine the application and effectiveness of the Trusted Advocate model and other specially crafted engagement tools. Past failures to involve a fully diverse range of community members in the planning process are analyzed and a new Mayor and Transportation Department Director's refusal to continue "business as usual" are identified as the most pivotal events in the City of Seattle's emerging commitment to better public outreach, that is, an engagement strategy that stresses cultural competency and an understanding of the past and ongoing impacts and influences of institutionalized racism.

01147878

10-2659

English

11p

2010

Transportation Research Board 89th Annual Meeting

DVD

Figures; Maps

Aged; Equity; Immigrants; Low income groups; Outreach; Persons with disabilities; Public participation; Social factors; Transportation planning

Planning and Forecasting; Society; Transportation (General); I72: Traffic and Transport Planning

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2010 Paper #10-2659

TRIS, TRB

Jan 25 2010 11:17AM