Equity & The Public Meeting: Are Public Meetings Engaging the Community?

Abstract

The Yesler Terrace Neighborhood was the oldest public housing site in Seattle. Because of its proximity to the urban core and the need for more density the area is set to be demolished and redeveloped in phases. Two blocks are ready for redevelopment and is undergoing the early stages of permitting. An Early Design Review public meeting was held for both developments. Almost no one from the Yesler Terrace Community attended, even though it is an opportunity for existing residents to have a say in what could be their future neighborhood. Public participation has been an integral piece in the planning process and profession, since the 1960s. Yet public meetings are still the most common form of community engagement. This thesis examines the history behind participation and new tools for designing effective engagement.