How important is public involvement in the master planning process?

Public involvement is critical in the master planning process as it ensures that the needs, concerns, and preferences of the community are taken into account from the beginning and throughout the entire planning journey. Engaging the public continuously helps to foster transparency, build trust, and enhance the legitimacy of the planning outcomes. This ongoing dialogue allows stakeholders to provide input that can shape decisions, leading to a more informed and balanced plan that reflects the aspirations of the community.

When public involvement is embedded throughout the process, it aids in identifying potential issues early on, facilitating collaborative problem-solving and preventing misunderstandings or resistance later, which might arise if community input is sought only at the end. This comprehensive engagement approach enhances the plan's effectiveness and promotes a sense of ownership among community members, increasing the likelihood of successful implementation.

In contrast, limiting public involvement to just the end stages, restricting it due to costs, or considering it mandatory only for major updates undermines the potential benefits of a well-rounded planning process and misses the opportunity to engage the community meaningfully.