Public involvement is an important and necessary step in informing transportation decisions. But the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically altered how the public can make their opinions known. TRB hosted a webinar on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 1:00-2:30 PM Eastern that addressed how states can encourage virtual public involvement, including NEPA required hearings. Presenters provided practices for getting started with virtual outreach and continuing to do so beyond the social distancing requirements. They also discussed the Virtual Public Involvement (VPI) program.

This webinar was sponsored by the TRB Standing Committee on Environmental Analysis and Ecology.

The recording is available.
Webinar agenda and presenters

1. How to use VPI for public outreach: Carolyn Nelson and Bob Washington, Federal Highway Administration
2. How to begin a VPI program in your state: Jacque Annarino, Ohio Department of Transportation
3. How to reach underserved communities with VPI: Jamille Robbins, North Carolina Department of Transportation
4. Question and answer session: Bob Washington, Federal Highway Administration

The first 60 minutes of the webinar will be for presentations and the final 30 minutes will be reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Determine how to institutionalize VPI for all public outreach programs
2. Identify federal and state regulatory guidance for virtual public outreach

Professional Development Hour Information

TRB will report credits earned to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Complaints about registered providers may be sent to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Floor, Washington, D.C., 20005.