The stakeholder engagement process our CAC designed and implemented was likely one of the most robust and comprehensive ever conducted on a project of this type – we heard directly from over 1,200 people through intercept surveys at the bandshell area, online survey, community forum, letters, calls, and at meetings. One of our early goals was to produce defensible, supportable, and sustainable recommendations that could stand on their own merits. We feel we have more than met that goal. Our extensive community engagement injected that critically important human element, which directly shaped our thinking and ensures that our recommendations will resonate with the local community, park visitors, and the MPRB. 

– Matt Perry, CAC Chair

Client: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Stakeholder Engagement and Decision Support: Worked with staff and members of the first Community Advisory Council created within the Enterprise Division of the MPRB to design and implement a robust yet practical public engagement process for the Council.

Their objective was to gather authentic and valuable input to inform the Council’s recommendation to the Park Board on potential improvements to the concession area around Lake Harriet, a very high-profile and heavily used city/regional park — with over a million visitors a year.

Successfully engaged and gathered input from thousands of stakeholders through intercept surveys, online surveys, interviews, focus groups, community meetings, and workshops. Explicitly and effectively reached out to underrepresented stakeholders and the full spectrum of diversity so the CAC was in the best position to make thoughtful, defensible, and sustainable recommendations.

Facilitated Council’s informed decision making to reach consensus on a defensible and sustainable solution.

Click here for more information from the Park Board’s website.

Community members identify key issues

CAC members deliberate

Stakeholders contribute their ideas

CAC members conduct intercept surveys at Lake Harriet

CAC members conduct intercept surveys at Lake Harriet