Conclusion, Next Steps

The charge for town hall meetings is intended to help communities discuss the important role it has in rebuilding and transforming America's aging infrastructure, one of the most important issues the United States faces today. Infrastructure is the ultimate building block of our economy and our society. Without a reliable, resilient, and interconnected nation of roads, bridges, dams and levees, public transportation systems, water and sewer systems, technology and telecommunications networks, energy transmission grids, public schools, ports, aviation systems, and a wide range of other infrastructure components, the U.S. stands to lose much of its economic competitiveness and leadership initiatives around the world.

The planning and investment decisions we make for transforming our infrastructure will lay the foundation for the next century and beyond. Getting it right is crucial, which is why long–range, multidisciplinary, and participatory planning is vital to the decision–making process. The town hall meetings are meant to discuss the preliminary report, but also to educate the public and local leaders; to apply pressure to decision–makers who have the power to affect the built environment and, thus, quality of life for future generations.  In the infrastructure discussion, the art and science of planning are an integral part of the future–visioning process.        

Quick Review

1. Contact APA Chapter to discuss a possible town hall meeting.
2. Discuss with APA Chapter the timing of the meeting with other scheduled events.
3. Form an Organizing Committee and designate a lead Facilitator.
4. Seek out potential partners and sponsors.
5. Secure an appropriate venue based on the expected number of attendees.
6. Determine what format the town hall meeting will follow.
7. Fill meeting agenda slots with a trusted, well–respected moderator and speakers.
8. Set–up registration for the meeting to track attendance.
9. Promote the meeting through partners and sponsors, by passing out flyers, and contacting local, state, and regional organizations.
10. Release an announcement of the meeting to the media; write and submit an editorial to a local newspaper.
11. Staff the meeting including someone designated to record the event.
12. Submit a report of the meeting to the Task Force.

Send thank you letters to all speakers, partners, sponsors and anyone involved in the organization of the meeting.

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