Getting to consensus is easy, right? Why can’t we all just get along?
Thursday, April 23 | 2:30pm - 3:45pm
Session Description: Disagreement seems to be the buzzword of the day. Our media is full of examples of conflict and lack of agreement on almost every topic. And yet, as public agencies, we are required to make plans, build infrastructure, provide services and make agreements on complex topics, in consultation with our public. How can we do that in this era of contention and even surliness? In this session, we’ll explore the fundamentals of framing issues, identifying key audiences, establishing productive dialog and bringing people together to engage in difficult decisions.
Learning Objectives:
- Session attendees will be able to identify key audiences for their decision process.
- Session attendees will be able to recognize, evaluate and respond to position statements.
- Session attendees will be able to apply a planning framework when needing to engage the public in difficult decisions.
Speakers: Penny Mabie
About the Speakers: Penny has developed and implemented public participation programs to support community planning, siting, design and construction of infrastructure including wastewater, transportation and energy facilities. She has facilitated multi-party dialog on contentious issues surrounding flood control, endangered species, contaminated groundwater, transportation planning, conservation. Her passion is involving the public in decisions that affect their lives. Penny is known for her facilitation, management and implementation of short- and long-term processes with respect and a focus on achieving measurable and durable outcomes. Penny is a member and trainer for the International Association of Public Participation, president of the Puget Sound Chapter of IAP2 USA and a member of the American Public Works Association.
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