Honoring People and the Importance of Assuming Positive Intent
At Highland Planning, we have four core values that inform our work. In the Before Times, it was easy to remember these values since they were taped up on a…
Better Dialogue, Better Decisions
The last few months have brought dissent to the foreground. From Black Lives Matter to anti-mask demonstrations to protests about the Rochester City School District budget cuts, we are observing the state of our nation and reflecting on what protests represent to our communities. We are also thinking about how they fit into the…
The (Surprising!) Benefits of Virtual Engagement
by Charvi Gupta You might think that the COVID-19 pandemic would spell disaster for public engagement. How can we get input from the public when we can’t even gather together…
Three Ways to Make Public Engagement Great During the COVID-19 Era
We need public engagement more than ever. But we have to completely rethink how we do it. The act of gathering in groups to discuss issues and solve problems is…
Sunlight and Disinfectant: Open Meeting Law During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Complying with the Open Meeting Law (OML) in New York State can be perceived as a challenge for government bodies. To understand the hurdles OML presents for governments, small private…
Wondering How to Engage Stakeholders During COVID-19? We’ve Got You Covered.
Rethinking public engagement during social distancing In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Center for Disease Control recommends that U.S. citizens avoid close contact by practicing social distancing. In light…
We’re Hiring Transit Ambassadors!
We are hiring 20 motivated, personable, and reliable individuals over the age of 18 years old to provide support and information to public transit customers in Monroe County, NY between…
Dancing With Surprises
by Susan Hopkins, AICP Last week I facilitated a meeting that went off the rails. About ten minutes into the meeting, it became clear that our plan for the group…
A Word From Our Intern, Mason!
by Mason Pelletier My name is Mason Pelletier. I live in the Highland Park neighborhood in Rochester. I am going to be a senior in high school, and I am…
Documenting Neighborhood Memories
by Tanya Zwahlen This weekend, on behalf of the City of Rochester, we conducted outreach at the Bull's Head Community Fair. This engagement was part of the Bull's Head Brownfield Opportunity Area project,…