Cocker Fennessy has extensive experience working with clients in both the public and private sectors to develop and implement public engagement programs related to complex projects. We have worked on projects involving significant public participation ranging from permitting major developments to construction of major public facilities to the state’s largest public transportation project.
Getting through to people who are focused on their daily activities is a challenge – especially when trying to get them to focus on public policy issues. We recognize that for a public involvement campaign to be effective it needs to build on the community’s needs and concerns, keeping in mind their “preferred” way of gathering information and providing feedback. Outreach needs to be sensitive to language and cultural differences, and respect flexible scheduling, transportation and accessibility needs.
We use a range of community engagement techniques that are the most appropriate for the intended audiences. What is critical is that stakeholders feel the process is credible and fair, regardless of the final policy decision or outcome. Services include: - Organizing and staffing citizen advisory groups
- Facilitating focus groups and meetings
- Producing presentation and hand-out information
- Staffing open houses, public hearings, information booths and special events
- Conducting telephone and web-based surveys
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