RE: Identifying the Interested Public

[Kathleen M. Horne <kathleen.horne@fta.dot.gov>]

Although I am now an employee of the Federal Transit Administration, I have worked as a consultant in the past for several agencies and have also tried many techniques to "get the word out" about public meetings, hearings, and other events concerning federal projects.  Much of what I have learned has come through trial and error--and the errors I will probably never forget!!  All of the techniques that you mentioned are very good--I would stress that it is important to really know the area that you are working in and also the different interest groups.  Setting up mailing lists can be a very daunting task--but it is something that has worked in my experience.  I think that one place to start is by reviewing the mailing lists (if possible) from other projects in the area--or at the very least--having discussions with other agencies--federal,state, and local, who have participated in recent projects.  It is a good place to start to identify potential stumbling blocks and community concerns.  On very large projects, it is a good idea to have a team of individuals who do not have a stake in the project conducting the outreach activities.