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USING A WORKSHOP TO DO MULTI-OBJECTIVE HAZARD MITIGATION PLANNING ""/lIlti-objective planning can be carried out through a IJltmber of difleretlt procedures. Because so many different issues and, therefore, differem players are lIsually involved in multi-objective plmming, the fundamental challenges are getting the kcy people together in one place to address the issues and find sollltions, and getting public involvement and input. THESE CHALLE:--JGES CAN BE MET through a series of public meetings, perhaps held at differ- ent locations throughout the planning area, or through one large meeting and several smaller work sessions, followed by comment periods, or by different combinations of problem-solving and information- gathering techniques. The multi-objective planning process described here took the form of a week-long workshop, which incorpo- rated several different techniques for gathering public input. This classic planning technique is sometimes called a "charette"-an intense effort to solve problems in a lim- ited amount of time. The idea is to have a brainstorming session with many people and representatives from groups and agencies from v..rithin and outside of the planning area to come up with many ideas to solve many problems and make other improvements in the quality of life-all at the same time. Citizens are on hand to be sure that real issues and feasible solutions are identified. Technical experts stand by to answer questions about state or federal fund- ing, regulatory requirements, ete. A comprehensive, well-coordinated planning workshop in which all interested parties participate has these advantages: . Most significant local planning issues can be resolved during the workshop. (Some may require further technical study.) This would assure, for instance, that a proposed hazard mitigation measure would not adversely affect wildlife, or that a proposal to rehabilitate a flood-damaged building would not result in increased future hazards. . Local problems and interests are addressed with the benefit of technical advice from state, federal, and other experts right at the workshop. . Because all significant planning issues are dealt with in one forum, the workshop is a much more efficient use of peoples' time than having multiple planning forums. The fact that the workshop covers all the local issues makes it more likely that a wide spectrum of agencies and individuals will attend and participate. The workshop is designed to: I. Define the local problems, needs, and goals. These will center around the natural hazard issue that has been identified (for the Vermillion Basin project it was flooding), but consideration should also be given to all significant planning issues that can be related to the principal ones. 2. List sensible ways to help solve each problem. 3. Specify sources of technical assistance and funding for each idea, and how and where to obtain it. Decide what group, individual, or agency should have responsibility for carrying out the idea. 4. Set a schedule for implementing each idea. .