The Minnesota Department of Transportation hired WSB to conduct a study of the 494/694/94 interchange located in the Woodbury/Oakdale area in order to generate a long-term vision for it and ensure its compatibility with other local projects. Originally, we had planned to include an open house as part of the study in order to engage with the public, and gather resident questions, comments and concerns. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, resulting in the cancellation of all public meetings and forums for the remainder of 2020. We were forced to rethink our engagement strategy and find new ways to connect with residents.
WSB’s new plan relied heavily on technology as the primary method for interacting with the local community. Our GIS and Public Engagement teams worked together to compile a variety of resources that allowed us to not only share project information with the residents, but also gave residents some very engaging ways to share their feedback. Below are some details about how we continued to engage with, and learn from, residents.