Download and view the 2026 Public Engagement Plan
 

While there is no federally required timeframe to update public engagement plans other than periodically, GTC has set a goal to review and update its PEP every five years. The GTC Board adopted the current plan in August 2026 and the previous version in 2021. This Plan underwent a 45-day public review period from May 18 through June 29, 2026. The GTC Planning Committee reviewed and recommended the Board adopt it. 

GTC is committed to providing the public with meaningful opportunities to participate in the metropolitan transportation planning process. This action plan describes this commitment. 

The (PEP) guides the public, GTC staff, member agencies, and sponsors who administer GTC-funded projects and programs through the public participation aspects of transportation projects.
All GTC planning work products, as well as major amendments to adopted plans and programs are incorporated into the Plan. 

•    GTC Board & Planning Committee Meetings;
•    Development of core work products  including Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP,) Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP,) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP);
•    Development of other required products including Air Quality Conformity, the Public Engagement Plan itself and the Coordinated Public Transit–Human Services Transportation Plan;
•    Federally-funded transportation planning projects including UPWP Plans & Studies and TIP projects;

The PEP defines different opportunities for engagement, explains how a person can participate, describes how a person could learn about input opportunities, identifies accessibility and accommodations, contingency plans, and additional references about each topic.

Text version: The information shown in the image is also provided below as text for easier reading and accessibility.
Inform, Consult, and Involve: Three Levels of Engagement
- Inform: Sharing information. Builds awareness and transparency, with little or no direct public input. Typically applies to administrative activities, data collection, and technical work, such as land use monitoring, high crash location reports, and asset management.
- Consult: Interagency coordination. Gathers targeted input from agencies and stakeholders with relevant roles, interests, or expertise, often through steering committees or advisory groups. Examples include travel demand modeling, feasibility studies, and alternative analyses.
- Involve: Engaging directly with the public. Uses community input to shape recommendations through at least two rounds of engagement: first to introduce the project and identify needs, then to share recommendations and gather feedback. Methods may include open houses, workshops, pop-up events, surveys, and online tools, alongside steering committee coordination. Examples include active transportation plans, corridor studies, and small area studies.

Text version: The information shown in the header image is also provided below as text for easier reading and accessibility.

Our Transportation Planning Involves Many Voices

Transportation decisions impact many people and communities. We engage a wide range of public and stakeholder groups to plan a safe, accessible, and connected transportation system for all.
- Emergency Services: Police, fire, EMS, and other first responders.
- People with Disabilities: Ensuring accessibility and independence for all.
- Walkers: People walking for everyday trips, recreation, and health.
- Bicyclists: People biking for commuting, errands, recreation, and sport.
- Transit Riders: People who rely on bus, rail, and other transit services.
- Freight & Trucking: Moving goods that support our economy and daily life.
- Rail: Passenger and freight rail operators and users.
- Delivery Services: Local delivery, couriers, and last-mile providers.
- Older Adults: Supporting safe, reliable travel at every stage of life.
- Youth & Families: Creating safe, convenient options for all ages.
- Businesses & Employers: Supporting a strong economy and workforce mobility.
And Many Others
- Local, state, and federal agencies
- Schools and universities
- Public health organizations
- Environmental organizations
- Neighborhood and community groups
- Tribal Nations
- Tourism and hospitality
- Construction and development community
Working together to build a transportation system that meets the needs of today and tomorrow.

Graphics created with AI assistance. Reviewed and approved by GTC staff in Summer 2026.