MPO Public Participation Plan Update

The MPO is updating its Public Participation Plan. The Public Participation Plan (PPP) outlines how the MPO involves the public in transportation planning, including processes, timelines, and public notice.

Effective planning relies on collaboration among agencies, stakeholders, and the community, and the PPP serves as a guide to set expectations for engagement. The plan update is occurring from June to December, 2025. Key focus areas include education, clear goals and evaluation, building community trust, and ensuring inclusion and accessibility in engagement efforts.

What’s a Public Participation Plan:

The purpose of the PPP is to outline the MPO’s procedures for public involvement, including processes, timelines, notification methods, and participation requirements related to transportation planning documents and federal requirements.

Good Transportation Planning Requires Public Engagement:

The MPO believes that effective transportation planning requires collaboration among government agencies, stakeholders, and the public.

A PPP Can Help Lay the Groundwork for Good Engagement:

The PPP can be used as a helpful guide by the public, other agencies, and Staff members at the MPO to develop shared expectations for public engagement, including goals, strategies, and timelines.

PPP Update Process and Timeline

1. FOUNDATIONS

Gather data and direction with MPO Staff

JUNE

2. DEVELOPING

Develop goals and strategies through consulting with current stakeholders and advisory bodies

JULY – AUG

3. REFINING

Developing further resources and refining PPP information through feedback from the public, current stakeholders, and advisory bodies

SEPT – OCT

4. FINALIZE

Develop a final draft of the PPP to be reviewed by advisory bodies and prepared for final public comment opportunities

OCT – DEC

Key Themes & Recommended PPP Focus Areas

Education

Address key barriers to participation by emphasizing efforts to educate the community about the MPO’s work, its boundaries and jurisdiction, and ways to engage.

Goal Setting & Evaluation

Define clear goals for engagement activities, use each tool for its intended purpose, and evaluate results to ensure engagement efforts are meaningful and impactful.

Building Community Relationships & Trust

Focus on creating feedback loops to improve engagement efforts, as well as communicating how feedback is used in decision making.

Inclusion & Accessibility

Expand engagement efforts to connect with those who face barriers to current engagement opportunities, and consider new approaches and channels to meet people where they are.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to Glenn Ingram at ingramg@ci.missoula.mt.us.