The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) is committed to fostering a participatory approach in city planning and development. Public hearings and community engagement are pivotal to ACTDA’s decision-making processes, ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and responsiveness to the needs of the community it serves.

Public hearings serve as a formal platform for ACTDA to gather input from the community on proposed actions, policies, or developments. They provide an opportunity for stakeholders to present their views, concerns, and suggestions directly to the decision-makers, facilitating a two-way dialogue between ACTDA and the public.

ACTDA’s community engagement procedures are designed to complement public hearings by providing a broader, more informal framework for interaction with the community. These procedures aim to reach a wider audience, gather diverse perspectives, and build long-term relationships with community members.

1. Notification: ACTDA will ensure timely and widespread notification of upcoming public hearings and engagement activities through various channels to maximize participation.
2. Accessibility: Venues and materials will be accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, to promote equitable participation.
3. Documentation: All input received during public hearings and engagement activities will be documented, summarized, and made publicly available to demonstrate transparency and accountability.
4. Feedback: ACTDA will provide feedback on how the community’s input has influenced decision-making processes, closing the loop of communication.

• Encourage clear, civil, and reasoned presentations at hearings.
• Use engagement frameworks like the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation to guide approaches.
• Provide training for staff to effectively facilitate public hearings and community engagement activities.
• Utilize digital platforms to extend reach and encourage participation from a broader demographic.

ACTDA’s public hearings and community engagement procedures are integral to its mission of creating a city that reflects the aspirations of its residents. By adhering to these procedures and continuously seeking to improve them, ACTDA ensures that the voices of the community are heard and valued in the city planning and development process.

For more detailed information on conducting effective public hearings and community engagement, resources are available at the Institute for Local Government and the Community Tool Box.