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HDR’s Latest Experts Talk: How to Engage the Public to Develop and Build Support for Complete Streets Projects

HDR’s Latest Experts Talk: How to Engage the Public to Develop and Build Support for Complete Streets Projects

‘We Build Streets for People’ and They Should Be Included in the Process, Drew Parker Says 

OMAHA, Neb. — Complete Streets have a transformative effect on communities. They increase safety, expand travel options, encourage healthier lifestyles and promote community-building.

Including community members at every step means the public owner and design team have a better understanding of people’s priorities and goals and can use that information to guide planning and design decisions. Stakeholder input and support in the planning stages are critical to the success of the project and lead to a well-functioning Complete Streets corridor.

In HDR’s latest Experts Talk interview, Drew Parker offers concrete strategies for partnering with the public and project stakeholders on Complete Streets projects. He also touches on the best ways to reach traditionally underrepresented communities and how to use data to build project support.

Parker is a transportation planner focused on improving communities through Complete Streets projects that include pedestrian and bicycle safety analyses, neighborhood transportation planning, and bicycle/pedestrian planning and facility design.

“We build streets for people, so they should be involved in the process from the beginning,” he said. “Local residents and business owners spend the most time in the area so they can share unique perspectives that can inform a project team’s understanding of the current needs.”

Read the entire interview here.

HDR’s Experts Talk interview series shines a light on various aspects of transportation infrastructure design and delivery. Each subject matter expert offers unique expertise and insights about new and ongoing trends, emerging technologies and the human side of infrastructure.

About HDR

For over a century, HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our expertise spans more than 10,000 employees in more than 200 locations around the world — and counting. Our engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services bring an impressive breadth of knowledge to every project. Our optimistic approach to finding innovative solutions defined our past and drives our future. For more information, please visit www.hdrinc.com.