1. Effective Steering Committee’s
Building Consensus:
Effective Steering Committee’s
APBP PDS Memphis

2. “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus,
but rather a molder of consensus.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.

3. Training Resources

4. Institute of Cultural Affairs
Training Resources
Institute of Cultural Affairs
The mission of ICA International is to advocate for and actualize the fundamental right of all peoples to define and shape their own futures, toward the goal of realizing sustainable, just solutions to human challenges.

5. Consensus Workshop Method
Training Resources
Consensus Workshop Method
GENERATE CREATIVITY IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME
Vision, Goals, Objectives

6. Consensus Workshop Method
Training Resources
Consensus Workshop Method
GENERATE CREATIVITY IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME
CREATE A SENSE OF OWNERSHIP + RESPONSIBILITY
Vision, Goals, Objectives
Opportunities + Constraints, Prioritization Criteria

7. Consensus Workshop Method
Training Resources
Consensus Workshop Method
GENERATE CREATIVITY IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME
CREATE A SENSE OF OWNERSHIP + RESPONSIBILITY
BUILD PRACTIAL TEAM CONSENSUS
Vision, Goals, Objectives
Opportunities + Constraints, Prioritization Criteria
Project Recommendations + Action Steps for Implementation

8. Consensus Workshop Method
Training Resources
Consensus Workshop Method
Group Size
Min people
Max people
Time Allotted
30-90 minutes
30 mins for smaller group/simple topics
90 mins for larger groups/complex topics
Materials Needed
Scrap paper
Half-sheet (5x7) sticky notes
Markers (all same color)
Wall space (be sure to test sticky notes)
Flip chart, screen or board to display the workshop question

9. Consensus Workshop Method
Context
Brainstorm
Cluster
Name
Resolve
Training Resources
Consensus Workshop Method

10. Consensus Workshop Method
Training Resources
Consensus Workshop Method
An open-ended question (usually a “what” question)
A question you yourself can answer
Simple and clear enough to answer with minimal explanation from the facilitator
Be displayed for all to see during entire workshop
Result in many different and specific responses

11. Consensus Workshop Method
Training Resources
Consensus Workshop Method

12. Consensus Workshop Method
Training Resources
Consensus Workshop Method

13. Formal Process:
Raleigh, NC Park Master Plan

14. Citizen Planning Committee
Formal Process
Citizen Planning Committee

15. Citizen Planning Committee
Formal Process
Citizen Planning Committee
Council Approved Process:
Stakeholder Interview
Community Surveys
Recommendations
Site Research
Demographicsquestion
Criteria for Selection:
Willingness to Commit
Interest in Park
Diverse Demographics
Community Representation

16. Citizen Planning Committee
Formal Process
Citizen Planning Committee
Final Products
Program Statement that describes the overall vision for the park and serves as the foundation for a range of Plan Alternatives
Draft Master Plan that includes a conceptual plan rendering, Program Statement, background information, and recommendations for environmental stewardship of the park
Priorities for phased development of the project, with consideration for existing and anticipated funding
Proposed Plan based on public feedback of the Draft Master Plan

17. Citizen Planning Committee
Formal Process
Citizen Planning Committee
1. Endorsement (Member fully supports it)
2. Endorsement with minor point of contention (Member likes it)
3. Agreement with minor reservation (Formal disagreement, but will not block or hold up the proposal/provision)
4. Stand aside with major reservations (Formal disagreement, but will not block or hold up the proposal/provision)
5. Block (Member will not support the proposed plan)

18. Endorse, Endorse w/Reservations, or Stand Aside
Formal Process
Citizen Planning Committee
Discussion
Proposal NO
YES
Test for Consensus
Modify Proposal
Concerns Raised
Endorse, Endorse w/Reservations, or Stand Aside
Consensus Achieved
Block

19. Subcommittee Structure:
Nashville, TN Case Study

20. Subcommittee Structure
How Large is Too Large?

21. Subcommittee Structure
Project Schedule

22. Subcommittee Schedule
Subcommittee Structure
Subcommittee Schedule

23. Subcommittee Structure
Subcommittee Process
Meet separately to collect information and identify issues (meet 2-3 times)
As a guideline, subcommittees should generate 2-3 recommendations for:
- Early wins (top priority)
- Mid-term
- Long-term

24. Recommendation Worksheet
Subcommittee Structure
Recommendation Worksheet

25. Recommendation Worksheet
Subcommittee Structure
Recommendation Worksheet

26. Subcommittee Structure
Full Day Workshop

27. Recommendation Worksheet
Subcommittee Structure
Recommendation Worksheet

28. Subcommittee Structure
Final Plan Product +

29. Subcommittee Structure
Final Plan Product +

30. Jennifer Baldwin jenniferbaldwin@altaplanning.com Planning Associate
Alta Planning + Design