AICP Exam Public Participaton Methods

An intensive collaborative effort that brings together citizens, stakeholders, and staff to develop a detailed design plan for a specific area. A charrette may be held over one or more days. This is an effective technique for quickly developing consensus. Typically, small groups are formed, with each group focusing on a design solution for an area. Each group has a facilitator who is typically a design professional. In many cases, the local chapter of the American Institute for Architects may be engaged to have members serve as facilitators

A structured process of public participation with the intent of coming to a consensus decision. The method was created in 1944 for the U.S. Army Air Force. A panel of selected, informed citizens and stakeholders are asked to complete a series of questionnaires. The questions are typically written as hypotheses. After each round of questioning, feedback on the responses is presented to the group anonymously. Participants are encouraged to revise their answers based on the replies heard. Over time, the range of answers decreases and the group converges towards a single solution.

Uses a person who does not have a direct stake in the outcome of a meeting to help groups that disagree work together to solve complex problems and come to a consensus. The facilitator is typically a volunteer from the community who is respected by all groups. In some cases, a professional facilitator is hired to assist in running the meeting.

A neutral third party facilitates discussion in a structured multi-stage process to help parties reach a satisfactory agreement. The mediator assists the parties in identifying and articulating their interests and priorities. The agreement typically specifies measurable, achievable, and realistic solutions. The final agreement is typically in writing. This is a dispute-resolution process that is typically used to help resolve conflict without involving the court system.

Typically associated with the Planning Commission, City Council, or other governing bodies. These meetings allow formal citizen input at the end of a planning process. Public hearings are typically mandated by law. Hearings are typically ineffective at building public participation and consensus.

Self-esteem, Associative strength, Resourcefulness, Action planning, and Responsibility. This is a series of techniques designed to be highly visual and accessible to those who cannot read or write. Examples, include pocket charts, three pile sorting, and picture stories with gaps.

Multi-day large events designed to bring people together to agree on changes that are needed in the community or organization. The summits last from two to five days and have between 100 and 250 people

Used by the World Bank and other development organizations to make sure that project beneficiaries can provide insights on how a project will affect them, particularly the poor and those without political power. The technique solicits qualitative information about the development activity. This can include interviews, focus groups, and participant observations.

A range of participatory approaches and methods that emphasize local knowledge and enable local people to conduct their own appraisal, analysis, and planning. It uses group animation and exercises to facilitate information sharing, analysis, and action among stakeholders.

An audience response system (ARS), or personal response system (PRS), allows large groups of people to vote on a topic or answer a question. Each person has a device with which selections can be made. Each remote communicates with a computer via receivers located around the room or via a single receiver connected to the presenter's computer using a USB connector. After a set time – or after all participants have answered – the system ends the polling for that particular question and tabulates the results. Typically, the results are instantly made available to the participants via a bar graph displayed on the projector.