Meaningful participation is key to transportation planning, as it helps to inform decisions. Public involvement goes beyond meeting agency requirements; it's essential for making a lasting, positive impact on quality of life. Development and execution of meaningful public involvement can vary based on several factors, such as a project’s scope, complexity or history. There may be uniquely local or political dynamics to consider, and there are many techniques available to conduct public involvement.
This webpage serves to provide WisDOT resources to assist project teams in their public involvement efforts.
Importance of Public Involvement
Public involvement efforts may be applicable at any phase of the WisDOT Facilities Development Process and should be flexible and updated as the project progresses in response to changing conditions, as well as the effectiveness of the involvement activities.
WisDOT strives to engage individuals, organizations, groups, municipalities and businesses to better consider factors such as income levels, race, culture and communities who may have historically been underrepresented in the project development and construction phases in order to elicit a wide spectrum of feedback. These considerations are vital to any type of project, whether they be roads, bridges, transit, rail, freight or other modes.
Get Involved with Projects
Your comments assist us in developing a project that will serve the needs of the traveling public as well as the needs of the local community and are welcomed and appreciated. Visit the resources below for more information.
Information and resources for project staff
Public Involvement Policy
Facilities Development Manual (FDM) Chapter 6 focuses on public involvement as implemented within the WisDOT Facilities development process. It describes WisDOT actions needed to satisfy state and federal public involvement requirements while also providing additional guidance for project teams to encourage more effective participation.
Importance of RCMs, RECs and Central Office
Each WisDOT Region has key staff with specialized expertise in the public involvement process. Just as the goal should be to communicate early and often with the public, contacts with the Region public involvement process experts should occur in the same manner.
Region Communication Manager (RCM) assists Region staff in developing a comprehensive communication plan and choosing appropriate public involvement techniques. The RCM approves all Public Involvement Plans (PIP) and can provide critical guidance to aid in drafting. The RCM also serves as the Region’s liaison to the WisDOT Office of Public Affairs (OPA).
Region Environmental Coordinators (REC) assist project development staff in ensuring the appropriate public involvement procedures are followed throughout the environmental review and decision-making process.
Within the Bureau of Technical Services (BTS), the
Environmental Process and Documentation Section team can assist with all policy-related concerns.
Public Involvement Templates and Tools
WisDOT has developed many resources to help project teams conduct meaningful public involvement:
A Public Involvement Plan (PIP) is required for every WisDOT project. Work with the Region Communications Manager or the Region Environmental Coordinator if you need help preparing a PIP.