Browsing by Author "Cragle, Jeff"
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Item GIS Story Maps: A Tool to Empower and Engage Stakeholders in Planning Sustainable Places(2016-10) Scott, Marcia; Edwards, Savannah; Rahall, Nick J. II; Nguyen, Tuan; Cragle, JeffPublic engagement continues to be transformed by the explosion of new digital technologies/tools, software platforms, social media networks, mobile devices, and mobile apps. Recent changes in geospatial technology offer new opportunities for use in participatory planning processes. Yet, civic tech as a movement, and public participation geographic information systems (PPGIS) as a discipline, have somewhat lagged behind the proliferation of new digital tools that can be leveraged for public engagement purposes. This project explores the evolving technology landscape and use of GIS Story Maps as a tool to empower and engage stakeholders in participatory planning processes. This research incorporated both a literature review and cases studies as research methods. The Nick J. Rahall, II Appalachian Transportation Institute (RTI) at Marshall University and Institute for Public Administration (IPA) at the University of Delaware research team’s case-study approach demonstrates that GIS Story Maps can help to fulfill mandates for an open government and public involvement by incorporating the use of interactive digital engagement tools into participatory planning processes. Preliminary research suggests that online, interactive GIS Story Maps are ideal for fostering citizen engagement, providing meaningful context to complex topics and concepts, and empowering informed decision making. Additional research is suggested and needs to be informed by empirical evidence that either supports or refutes this premise.Item The Use of Smart-Growth Scorecards/Assessment Tools to Advance Sustainable Land-Use Practices(2016-06) Scott, Marcia; Li, Mingxin; Barnes, Philip; Stavru, William; Dayan, Sinaya; Jones, Curtis; Matthews, Justin; Cragle, JeffFew studies have gauged causal linkages between shifting smart-growth agendas and the development of new tools to evaluate smart-growth outcomes. Both the implementation of smart-growth practices and efforts to measure the effectiveness of initiatives and outcomes have been influenced by a host of socioeconomic, demographic, technological, and environmental factors as well as shifting housing, travel, and communication preferences. Through a literature review, informational interviews, and survey of smart-growth scorecard users/developers, this research finds that both the concept of smart growth and the development and use of scorecards/assessment tools have co-evolved. Shifting state and federal legislation, leadership, political agendas, and funding have shaped the extent to which smart-growth practices are implemented and evaluated at the local government level. While federal and state governments have developed programs to incentivize implementation of smart growth strategies at the local government level, measuring outcomes of smart growth remains challenging. New assessment tools, scenario-planning techniques, and interactive visualization tools are being crafted to engage and educate the public on smart-growth-related topics and planning outcomes. Building local government capacity, funding support, technical assistance, and an open environment for information sharing and education is needed.