Public participation efforts support decision-making when they provide timely information at key decision points. Knowing what information should flow to maintain dialogue to the level promised is a significant challenge.
A decision-maker needs to consider:
- the milestones or key decision points of the project;
- the objectives to be achieved for each milestone; and
- the process of participating with the public.
The following table illustrates the links between the steps of a generic decision-making process, the public participation objective for each and possible tools to support each milestone.
| Steps in Decision Making Process | Objectives of Participation | Examples of Participation Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Identify the problem and decision needed | To understand background and decision to be made | Press release, website announcement |
| Undertake research | To receive information about issues to be addressed | Issue paper, presentation |
| Establish decision parameters/performance objectives | To understand decision parameters and performance objectives | Open house, public meeting |
| Develop options | To discuss issues and concerns about contribute to potential solutions | Workshops, online forums |
| Evaluate options | To receive feedback on options | Survey, telephone interviews |
| Decide | To communicate decision and how participation inputs were used | Letter, website announcement |
Source: International Association of Public Participation