ARC is currently updating the agency’s Public Participation Plan (PPP) in accordance with the federal regulations governing interested parties, participation, and consultation activities of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (23 CFR 450.316). The PPP will reflect new federal laws, requirements and guidance concerning community engagement, and will significantly update and replace ARC’s 2019 Regional Transportation Community Engagement Plan.
ARC is committed to ensuring that stakeholders have a say about what participation should look like. To that end, we have developed a program of activities designed to help us listen to people to learn how they want to participate in the transportation planning process and other agency activities.
Navigating the intricate fabric that is the 20-county transportation planning area, demands a nuanced approach. With this in mind, we are taking a thorough assessment to strengthen and expand our quality of outreach, ensuring the process is as diverse as the communities themselves. Our research identified key contacts spanning twelve stakeholder categories, culminating in a vetted regional stakeholder network of nearly 350 trusted agencies, transportation providers and organizations advocating for the nine federally protected classes.
This curated list isn’t just a database or directory — it is a bridge to deeper, more inclusive community dialogues. Leaving behind a one-size-fits all approach to outreach, to adopt authentic, community driven approaches.
To better understand engagement needs of the diverse populations living in the 19-county transportation planning area a series of Stakeholder Focus Groups were organized. These focus groups are designed to serve as a collaborative hub of ideas to move us forward on the following objectives:
The experiences and knowledge shared will refine our outreach methods and will be a guiding light for ARC’s overarching Community Engagement Strategy.
These focus groups ensure diverse perspectives are included, addressing the unique needs and experiences of communities protected under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Here is a list of Focus Group Communities:
Under the guidance of the Federal Highway (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administrations (FTA), the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) adheres to regulations that guide the public participation process for Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organizations (MPOs). These regulations are found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) under title 23 for highways and title 49 for transportation (23 CFR Part 450.316 and 49 CFR Part 613.300).
The updated Participation Plan will outline ARC’s preferred community engagement strategies for transportation and provide information about Board and Committee participation opportunities. It will also outline formal procedures for participation activities associated with ARC’s core deliverables.
In addition to developing the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the Transportation Planning Department delivers a wide spectrum of specialized transportation planning initiatives that fit the diverse needs of a growing region.
Insights gained from the Stakeholder Focus Groups and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Participation Planning process are helping to define tailored approaches that can be used to ensure stakeholder engagement efforts support a variety of planning efforts. We are crafting a dynamic toolkit that encapsulates best practices for engagement, a compendium of preferred participation tactics and accompanying metrics that bring the impact of outreach into focus.
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
