The Changing Landscape of Public Involvement
Public involvement was once a simple effort — coffee and cookies, engineering documents clipped to a foamcore board, and one-way communications. But with evolving expectations of clients, project stakeholders and impacted communities, as well as more stringent regulations and changing demographics, there exists a demand for more. And with the additional influence of social media, it is clear that successful public involvement programs require a new level of effort.
Companies engaged in the engineering and planning process today must rethink the design and implementation of public involvement. It requires a comprehensive approach — increased stakeholder coordination, broader outreach to demographic groups, presentation materials that are less technical, and accommodations for those with limited English and literacy proficiency. And in addition to public meetings, public involvement programs must embrace greater outreach efforts and implement a wider variety of communications techniques and products, each tailored to the specific audience — the project stakeholders.
Through extensive experience in public involvement and community outreach for a variety of transportation and planning projects around the country, Eydo understands what it takes to design and implement an effective public involvement program today. With fresh perspective and full-service capabilities, we can bring proven success to this facet of your project.
Partners
Garold D. Smith III,
Public Involvement Director
Before starting his own communications firm, Garold spent over 17 years in communications and public involvement for transportation and transit projects in Colorado, Virginia and North Carolina. He has played key roles in the strategic design and implementation of cohesive and engaging communications programs for major transportation improvements, including interstate, transit, and rail projects. Garold has honed his public, community and media relations skills, allowing him to effectively represent clients to their target audience, and to reach diverse publics on relevant issues. Garold received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Colorado and is certified in Public Dispute Resolution.
Julianne Winkler Smith, Creative Director
Julianne has over 12 years of marketing and advertising writing experience, working with design firms and corporations around the country, as well as writing for regional and national publications. From taglines and advertising, to print collateral, Web and video, Julianne is able to clearly and persuasively communicate a client's message or story to any given audience. Prior to her writing career, Julianne spent 10 years in corporate training and development, designing, managing and facilitating hard and soft skill programs to diverse audiences. Julianne earned her Master's Degree from the University of Richmond and her Bachelor's from The College of William and Mary.
