South Dakota Department of Transportation’s Rethinking Public Engagement – Virtually

Like many states, South Dakota has seen declining attendance at public transportation meetings in recent years. In response, the South Dakota Department of Transportation prioritized meeting the public where they are. While many states have moved away from in-person Statewide Transportation Improvement Program meetings, South Dakota DOT maintained this tradition; consistently drawing strong participation in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic era. To expand engagement, South Dakota DOT developed an interactive virtual platform that goes beyond static document sharing, inviting users into a dynamic, accessible meeting space. The nearly $16,000 innovation encourages constructive input throughout all phases of planning, not just in response to problems or at formal meetings. By offering convenient, ongoing opportunities for feedback, the agency is fostering more meaningful public involvement in shaping South Dakota’s transportation future.