After more than three years of research, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program has released Report 1178, Improving Virtual Public Involvement in Transportation Agencies, the first comprehensive U.S. guide focused on virtual public engagement in transportation planning and projects.
Co-authored by VTC senior staff members Miriam Salerno and Pam Lebeaux (formerly with WSP), the guide addresses a critical gap. While virtual engagement tools expanded rapidly during the COVID era and remain widely used, formal training and guidance on best practices have been limited. The report provides a practical roadmap for agency staff. It explains how to plan for engagement, select and use virtual tools, effectively combine them with in-person methods, and evaluate outcomes. A toolkit features 27 virtual engagement methods, with real world examples and implementation tips.
As a complement to the guide, a tool selection matrix is available to help practitioners identify virtual tools suitable for various types of projects. In addition to variables such as project phase, complexity, and geographic scale, tool selection considerations include the goals for engagement, community characteristics, and agency resources such as staff skills, staff time available, and tool cost.
The guide offers strategies for running effective virtual meetings, with detailed tips on meeting logistics, accessibility, security, and facilitation methods. However, a major emphasis is placed on alternatives to scheduled meetings—asynchronous tools that allow people to participate on their own time. Examples include interactive mapping, idea walls, forums, and surveys. The report also explores how users experience these tools and how they can be improved for clarity and usability.
Finally, the guide highlights persistent barriers to participation, including the digital divide, accessibility challenges, and language inclusion, reinforcing the importance of creating engagement opportunities that serve all community members.
As transportation agencies continue to adapt to evolving public expectations, NCHRP Report 1178 serves as both a practical training resource and a reference for building meaningful, effective, and accessible virtual public involvement programs.
Ready to elevate your agency’s approach to public engagement? Explore NCHRP Report 1178 to discover proven strategies, innovative tools, and actionable guidance for reaching broader audiences, fostering trust, and improving participation in the digital age.
To learn more about the guide and how VTC can help strengthen your virtual public involvement practice, connect with Miriam Salerno.