Let's Talk Albemarle: Pop-Ups and Participation

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Inclusion, accessibility, intention, trust, and creativity are key principles that guide our public engagement efforts. The “Let’s Talk Albemarle” van was designed to build relationships, increase community participation, and create a space for the exchange of information and ideas. Our vision for this project was to employ the practice of creative placemaking for community members to be civically engaged and be regularly invited into communities to create space for residents to share their perspectives and expertise in a street-level context. Let’s Talk Albemarle is an engagement tool that expands our capacity to listen, build trust, and increase public participation. Designed to meet people where they are, the mobile field office is an innovative approach to providing public engagement opportunities in outdoor locations. The big, and unmistakable, yellow and white van “pops-up” in a variety of locations to share information, distribute materials, and host project-based community conversations and workshops. The van helps us increase connection with our community in an accessible, fun, and creative way. Launched during the pandemic, the Let’s Talk Albemarle van was a key component of our engagement efforts. Starting with the drive-thru distribution of masks and community outreach kits, the van created a convenient and safe place for community members to receive information about County assistance efforts, CDC guidance, and supplies like masks and sanitizer. The goals for this community engagement effort include: • Conduct Outreach and Share Information • Create Inclusive, Welcoming, and Delightful Opportunities to Engage • Reduce Barriers to Participation • Build Relationships with Community Members • Foster New Collaboration & Partnership Opportunities In Albemarle County, the Let’s Talk Albemarle van has increased the visibility of local government around the county, increased the public’s awareness and participation of local government projects and programs, and has helped us build relationships in new ways. Since its launch in April 2021, the van reached thousands of community members over 50 pop-ups in 30 locations, on a budget of $100,000 (to acquire, upfit, and outfit the van).