public process design and Facilitation

Approach and Experience

I firmly believe that the best solutions to entrenched issues come when stakeholders gather together. However this cannot be done by simply putting everyone in a room; that approach often leads to chaos. The best processes are carefully designed and implemented to prepare relevant data, allow equitable voice for participants, and facilitate open expression of preferences and ideas, discussion of minority views and a chance to arrive at consensus. I deeply value my experiences as a designer, organizer, facilitator and participant in dozens of these projects including:

• Masonic Temple Reuse Charette, 1998
• St. Mary's Church, Portsmouth Master Plan Workshops, 2004
• Walley School Reuse Workshop Series, 2008-9
• Warren Preservation Plan Community Workshop, 2009
• Jamestown Historic District Community Workshop, 2010
• Town of Bristol Animal Shelter

Specific Public Process Design and Facilitation Skills and Knowledge Areas

• Forming steering committees
• Preparation of pre-event materials
• Training group facilitators
• Using technology to enhance communication and preference setting