Research Idea Details

Research Idea Scope

Identify and describe effective approaches for outreach to non-traditional groups.

TERI Administrator Note (January 2009): Project has been funded as NCHRP 25-25: Task 62 for 2009, “Improving the Effectiveness of Outreach to Traditional and Non-Traditional Groups by Integrating the Expertise of Existing and Emerging Citizen Coalitions into Transportation Analysis and Decision Making”

TERI Administrator Note (June 2007): Related Research
Minnesota DOT, METHODS AND APPROACHES TO ENHANCE INVOLVEMENT IN NON-TRADITIONAL TRANSPORTATION STAKEHOLDER COMMUNITIES AND NEIGHBORHOODS: A HANDBOOK FOR MN/DOT PLANNING AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/pubinvolve/pdf/nontrad20.pdf

Abstract: This handbook was prepared as a product of the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (Mn/DOT’s) Non-Traditional Transportation Stakeholder Dialogue Project (NTTSDP), which was conducted in 1995 and 1996. For the purposes of this study, non-traditional transportation stakeholders were defined as people of color, low-income constituencies, communities, neighborhood-based organizations, disabled individuals and civic and cultural groups. The NTTSDP held 18 dialogue meetings from which 21 recommendations were developed. Findings, recommendations, and priorities developed through the NTTSDP were reviewed by a Mn/DOT Response Team, which developed the following six recommendations to present to Mn/DOT’s deputy staff: (1) Review and update Mn/DOT’s Public Participation Plan for planning and project development; (2) Conduct follow-up research on the non-traditional stakeholder market segment; (3) Establish a community liaison function within Mn/DOT; (4) Use advanced technology to improve frequency and quality of communication; (5) Develop a “Citizen’s Guide to the Transportation Development Process”; and (6) Develop a proactive participation plan for major projects, ensuring inclusion of non-traditional stakeholders through use of citizen task forces and community assessment methods.