A Phased Logic Model Approach to Public Involvement Performance Measurement

Abstract

Performance measurement is a key method for evaluating and improving services in transportation, yet few agencies have systematically evaluated public participation in transportation planning. Review of previous studies reveals that measures of effectiveness and techniques for evaluation vary widely, and often provide cursory reporting of the immediate outputs of involvement efforts, rather than system outcomes related to public participation. Interviews and government documents from three detailed cases in the United States transportation planning suggest that complexity, perceived subjectivity and an extended period of project development creates challenges for performance measurement of public participation. To demonstrate use of the logic model approach for evaluation of public participation, the research team performed three case studies that separate broad phases of projects into context, implementation, and results. This phased approach supports the identification of performance measures that may address immediate outputs of a public participation processes, in addition to intermediate and later outcomes related to public participation. Results from the multiple case studies suggest that performance measures are more likely to be sustained and impactful when devised for simplicity, supported by an agency champion, and resources are in place for institutionalization of the process as part of agency operations. The logic model approach clarifies that performance targets should be tailored by an organization to address a particular phase of the project development process.