Prioritizing meaningful public involvement for successful project delivery

As the public sectors and developers harness once-in-a-generation infrastructure opportunities, learn how early, often, and inclusive engagement and strong, successful project delivery are connected.

Read the case study

Successful projects are built on public involvement that starts early and lasts through the entire project lifecycle - and creates a community vision.

1388 Bancroft Ave sits directly across from San Leandro's local middle school, is a quarter of a mile from the San Leandro BART station and is adjacent to a future projected bike highway, making it an excellent location for multi-family development in the city where few housing options like this exist. Our team began work early on in the client's project development phase to facilitate meaningful community involvement and full representation from all affected communities and across broad project partners- work that lasted throughout the project lifecycle.

OUR APPROACH

1

Defining community’s definition of success

Research shows that inclusive engagement that works to build a shared vision and define community benefits are factors contributing to strong project delivery. We worked with residents and neighborhood-serving organizations to ensure full representation of affected communities to identify concerns and identify benefits.

Starting slow and far in advance alongside affected communities

We define meaningful public involvement as a process that lasts throughout the project lifecycle, not only during a single event or activity. We began work with our housing development partner before the planning process to identify and build a network of leaders from all of the communities affected by the project, ensuring clear communication and involvement from these partners from start to finish.

2

Create a digital platform and shared spaces to build support

Working with the city and developer, we developed a vibrant story around how the project would advance the community’s overall vision in the years and decades to come. We did this by developing culturally appropriate digital assets as well as hosting in-person events to build awareness and excitement about the project and its benefits.

4

Data dashboard to demonstrate benefits and progress

We developed a robust communications infrastructure for the project developer including a website, social media presence, and email marketing to share information including any setbacks and key milestones - critical to building trust and ensuring project transparency with the community.

3

Outcomes

  • Project adopted by City Council and included community benefits including an public art installation from a local artist, bike parking, thoughtful integration with San Leandro’s proposed crosstown bike highway, and transportation demand management amenities including subsidized transit passes.

  • Partnerships with Eden Realty, GreenTrip, BART, AC Transit, Bike Walk San Leandro, and the City of San leandro