Performance Measures to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Public Involvement Activities in Florida

In 2006, the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida (USF) completed a comprehensive assessment of public involvement practices and processes in Florida for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). The assessment considered public involvement practices at all phases of transportation decision making and included practices of the FDOT Central Office, FDOT Districts, and Florida metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). The study resulted in a series of generalized observations, lessons learned and suggestions to improve the practice of public involvement in Florida. Among the findings was that, with few exceptions, FDOT and Florida MPOs have no formal evaluation methods to measure the effectiveness of their public involvement activities. In addition, many of those interviewed felt that the effectiveness of their public involvement efforts could be improved through the creation of formal public involvement evaluation methods. The CUTR research report recommended that FDOT, in cooperation with Florida MPOs, develop a systematic method for evaluating the effectiveness of public involvement activities. The report also emphasized the need to develop public involvement performance measures that focus on desired outcomes, as well as process, and that advance the strategic objectives and business plan of the transportation agency. + Read more