Effective Civic EngagementEastern PA Greenways & Trails Summit15 September 2016

“I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the

people themselves; ...”

- Thomas Jefferson to William C. Jarvis, 1820

Benefits of Effective Engagement

● Go from NIMBY to What If?● Cultivate Relationships for Positive Change● Elevate Public Expectations● Create a Shared Languague● Pitch a Big Community Tent● Reflect Values of Citizens

The Central Delaware Riverfront

Sins of the Past

Sins of the PastShifting landscape

VIsions for the waterfront

Actions

Identify actors

Define Issue

Honest broker

Articulate public good

Research best practices

Engage a broad public

Provide transparency

Create accountability

Impact

6000 Philadelphians

200 public meetings

100 newspaper articles

2mayors

VIsions for the waterfront

Spruce Street Harbor, Penn’s Landing

Successful Engagements

40th Street Design Principles

Green2015

Bartram’s Mile

New Fairmount Park

DC21

Hokey-PokeyOne foot in and one foot out