HDR Research Provides Guidance on Participant Compensation in Infrastructure Public Engagement

HDR Transportation Strategic Communications Director Katie Caskey recently completed a multiyear research initiative examining the current state and potential of participant compensation within infrastructure public engagement.

Caskey’s work, which was funded through HDR’s Fellowship Program, resulted in a decision-making framework practitioners can use when considering compensating people to take part in public engagement activities like focus groups, surveys and committees. Caskey’s recommendations are relevant for practitioners of any agency or organization considering participant compensation and can help realize the benefit of the practice while mitigating the potential risks.

“Meaningful public participation, community engagement, and user feedback is essential in all infrastructure plans and projects,” Caskey said. “As strategic communications professionals, we must continually reevaluate the best ways to engage communities meaningfully and fairly. These recommendations can help practitioners decide if participant compensation is appropriate for their project.”

Currently, there is no clear guidance or consistent application within the infrastructure industry for when and how to implement participant compensation as part of public engagement. Caskey’s research explains how participant compensation should be viewed as one tool among many with the public engagement toolbox and used strategically.

To download Caskey’s research report or to read the executive summary, visit HDR’s website.

About HDR  
HDR is a 100% employee-owned professional services firm. Founded over a century ago to bring electricity to a changing world, we are now a global company specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. Our success in built and natural environments continues as we collaborate to solve our clients’ and communities’ most complex challenges.