Public Participation

It is never an easy task for a city government to involve the public in the decision making process of new public works or other similar projects. The Heartland Center has years of experience in handling the typically thorny task of public participation in civic decision making. The Heartland Center’s approach to public information and public involvement reflects a core principle that people have a right to participate in public decisions that affect them, their property or their interests.  The Center believes in a pro-active and creative approach to public participation and public information with an ambitious outreach effort to share information and to encourage project staff to respond to residents' concerns and questions about alternatives and costs, anticipated benefits or issues, and potential issues.  Such a multi-faceted approach provides the highest assurance of eliciting public input on relevant questions and a range of approaches to build consensus.