City of Bloomington Earns National Recognition for Public Engagement Efforts

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~ Bloomington's Planning and Transportation Department has been recognized for their outstanding efforts in engaging the community through their Safe Streets for All (SS4A) initiative. The department was named a runner-up in the Transportation Research Board's 18th Annual Communicating Concepts with the Public Competition.

This prestigious recognition highlights the department's innovative and inclusive approach to public engagement, specifically through their successful "Safety Week" communication blitz held in April 2024. The goal of Safety Week was to energize the public around Bloomington's SS4A initiative, which aims to improve roadway safety for all users while addressing historical inequities in public engagement.

The weeklong series of events saw participation from over 2,000 residents and included 13 pop-up events in high-traffic areas, three evening workshops for in-depth discussions, school presentations at elementary and middle schools, a walking tour with City Council members and the Steering Committee, and a multi-commission presentation and discussion. These efforts successfully reached underrepresented groups such as college students, People of Color, renters, and youth, aligning public feedback more closely with Bloomington's diverse demographics.

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According to Karina Pazos, Long Range Planner with the City of Bloomington, this initiative was not just about gathering feedback but also about changing who participates in these conversations. By engaging those most affected by roadway hazards, the department hopes to create safer and more equitable streets for all residents.

In addition to its success in public engagement, Safety Week also marked a return to large-scale in-person outreach efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic. City staff used this opportunity to test new strategies such as sensory-based engagement tools while training personnel from multiple departments to enhance future community outreach.

The lessons learned from Safety Week have already informed subsequent events like Bike to Earth Day and other safety-focused initiatives. This recognition from TRB's "Communicating Concepts with the Public" competition is a testament to Bloomington's commitment to excellence in communicating about transportation plans, projects, and Complete Streets initiatives.

Since 2007, this competition has recognized innovative communication strategies in transportation planning, policy, and operations. Bloomington was honored in the Planning and Projects category for their outstanding efforts. For more information on the SS4A initiative, please visit bloomington.in.gov/transportation/ss4a.

Filed Under: Government, City

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