The DRCOG Transportation Advisory Committee on July 28 recommended adoption of the agency’s updated 2025 Public Engagement Plan, an update to the 2019 plan (amended 2021) that documents DRCOG’s engagement philosophy, staff procedures and techniques for outreach across different project types.

Planner Carolyn Clam presented the update and described the plan as two parts: a public‑facing document explaining DRCOG’s engagement principles and a staff reference with steps, techniques and metrics. "If you were curious about a particular project, type of project, you would find ways to get involved," Clam said. She highlighted new content: an eight‑step public engagement workflow, topic‑specific engagement chapters, a techniques‑and‑metrics appendix and suggested practices for reaching disadvantaged communities and older adults.

Clam said staff reviewed peer agency plans, conducted internal staff workshops and incorporated public comments. The final draft added emphasis on working with community leaders to recruit participants, suggested strategies for underserved communities, and a new list of ways to use community input.

Jacob Reager, multimodal transportation planning manager, thanked Clam and noted staffing contributions from a temporary vacancy and the new engagement planner, saying the plan had been shepherded through a staffing transition. Committee members praised the document’s length and usability.

Jeff Denkenberg moved to recommend adoption of the 2025 Public Engagement Plan to the Regional Transportation Committee and the Board; the motion was seconded (record in transcript: "Second for Mark Griffith"). The TAC approved the motion by voice vote (ayes; no recorded oppositions or abstentions).

DRCOG staff will transmit the recommendation and the adopted plan is intended to guide public engagement across DRCOG projects and offices, including tips for inclusive outreach and a staff appendix of tools and contact suggestions.