The session on advanced public outreach tools presented innovative methods for engaging the public in planning and development projects in the Boston metropolitan area and beyond. Tools such as electronic keypad voting, 3D visualization, and social media are highlighted alongside techniques to reach diverse populations. The speakers included planning experts who shared their experiences and strategies for effective community engagement.

1. Advanced Public Outreach Tools
and Techniques
Session 7A
Friday, June 10, 2011
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Moderator
Jef Fasser, ASLA, AICP, LEED AP
Director of Landscape Architecture and Planning
VHB/Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc
Speakers
David Gamble AIA, AICP, LEED AP
Manisha Bewtra, AICP
Eric Hove
Fred Merrill, AICP

2. Introduction
This session will present new and updated tools that
planning consultants and agencies have been using to
more effectively engage the public on a wide variety of
planning and development projects within the Boston
metropolitan region, suburban Massachusetts and cities
beyond New England. Innovative tools such as electronic
keypad voting, 3D urban design visualization, social media,
video games, and other technology tools to assist the
decision-making process will be highlighted and critiqued.
Also, techniques to engage diverse populations and how to
better organize your outreach efforts will be presented.

3. Speakers
• David Gamble AIA, AICP, LEED AP, Principal, Gamble
Associates
• Manisha Bewtra, AICP, Regional Planner & MAGIC
Subregional Coordinator, Metropolitan Area Planning
Council (MAPC)
• Eric Hove, Senior Regional Planner for South Coast
Rail, Regina Villa Associates
• Fred Merrill, AICP, Principal, Sasaki Associates

4. Do you think the Bruins will win the
Stanley Cup:
1. In 6 games
2. In 7 games
3. Not this year 

5. I am:
1 2 3 4
25% 25%25%25%
1. A planning director
2. Public-sector planning staff
3. Private-sector consultant
4. Educator

6. What types of engagement do you
most often rely on?
1 2 3 4
25% 25%25%25%
1. Design charrettes
2. Public meetings/workshops
3. Websites/Facebook
4. Other

7. The most difficult challenge I face in engaging
community is:
1 2 3 4
25% 25%25%25%
1. Getting a good turnout
2. Getting the right people in
the room
3. Providing a documentation
of the process
4. All of the above

8. Are you texting your colleagues now to suggest
they come to this new dynamic session?
1 2
50%50%
1. Yes
2. No

9. Contacts
• David Gamble: david@gambleassoc.com
• Manisha Bewtra: mbewtra@mapc.org
• Eric Hove: ehove@reginavilla.com
• Fred Merrill: fmerrill@sasaki.co
• Jef Fasser: jfasser@vhb.com

10. Contacts
• David Gamble: david@gambleassoc.com
• Manisha Bewtra: mbewtra@mapc.org
• Eric Hove: ehove@reginavilla.com
• Fred Merrill: fmerrill@sasaki.co
• Jef Fasser: jfasser@vhb.com