Determine the level of interest from the local community and citizens.
How?
Use a simple method of public consultation – gauge residents’ interest using straightforward tools such as social media polls or on-site surveys. Even something as simple as a new Facebook post on a specific topic can reveal a lot about the general level of public interest.
LEVEL 1
WEAK INTERESTThe level of community commitment and interest can vary from one plan to another. Some plans and projects are simply less controversial than others or provide equally high benefits for all stakeholders. However, a lack of timely information at the start of the process can often appear as a lack of interest. This phenomenon is referred to as consultation fatigue*.
Result
WEAK INTEREST
Authorities plan, design, and implement activities on their own, without involving the public.
*Lack of public interest in consultation initiatives. Usually caused by an excess of consultations (due to poor coordination among agencies) and/or a perceived lack of results from past consultations.
LEVEL 2
MODERATE INTERESTIn some cases, usually for smaller-scale or local projects, residents are eager to share their ideas and suggestions (such as redesigning public squares or parks). However, the overall numbers tend to be low, often due to a lack of timely information and/or because the process has not been made sufficiently engaging. Result
MODERATE INTEREST
Authorities plan AFTER consulting the community, and implement in consultation with the community.
LEVEL 3
ELEVATED INTERESTPublic interest may be high, especially for plans or projects involving many different stakeholders, often labeled from the start as problematic, difficult, or contentious. Such situations frequently lead to conflict, mistrust, and communication breakdowns.Result
ELEVATED INTEREST
Authorities use dialogue and deliberation to generate ideas and implement action plans collaboratively.