Meeting People Where They Are: Building Inclusive Engagement for Lincoln’s Downtown Master Plan

Drago Vantage facilitated both an English-language community meeting and a separate Spanish-language meeting, creating a welcoming environment where participants could engage comfortably and provide input in their preferred language

At Drago Vantage, we believe successful planning starts with meaningful community engagement. Public processes are strongest when they intentionally create opportunities for people who may not regularly participate, especially historically underserved populations whose perspectives are often underrepresented in traditional outreach approaches.

As part of our work leading outreach and engagement for the City of Lincoln Downtown Master Plan and Objective Design and Development Standards (ODDS) effort, our team developed a targeted engagement strategy focused on reaching residents where they are, with particular emphasis on Spanish-speaking community members and youth.

Recognizing that community participation requires more than simply hosting a public meeting, our team designed multiple pathways for involvement. This spring, Drago Vantage facilitated both an English-language community meeting and a separate Spanish-language meeting held exclusively in Spanish, creating a welcoming environment where participants could engage comfortably and provide input in their preferred language. The approach generated meaningful dialogue and valuable insights that may not have surfaced through a traditional meeting format alone.

We also worked directly with Lincoln High School and the Lincoln School District to engage young people in conversations about downtown Lincoln's future. Youth perspectives provide a critical lens on how public spaces are used today and what future generations want to see in their community. By meeting students where they already are, we were able to capture ideas from a population that often has limited participation in planning processes.

Partnerships have been central to the effort. Drago Vantage collaborated with Lincoln High School, the Lincoln School District, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, the City of Lincoln, and the Latino Community Council to broaden awareness and connect with residents through trusted community networks and existing relationships.

To further remove barriers to participation, we also developed an online open house, allowing community members unable to attend in-person events to review information and provide feedback on their own schedule.

This summer, Drago Vantage will continue leading the next phase of outreach and engagement as we work with community partners and the public to review the draft Downtown Master Plan and ODDS.

For us, community engagement is more than checking a box. It is about creating thoughtful, inclusive processes that build trust, broaden participation, and help communities shape decisions that reflect the people who live there.