EngagingCommunities

Season 2, Episode 8: Designing Strong Engagement with Vince Verlaan

In this episode, host Kelly Hickler talks with engagement and facilitation expert Vince Verlaan about what “strong engagement” really means and why it matters. Drawing on 25 years of experience across city planning, sustainability, and organizational development, Vince shares insights on moving beyond check-the-box consultation, preparing organizations internally before engaging the public, and designing engagement processes that are genuinely relational. The conversation explores the IAP2 spectrum, facilitation in high-conflict environments, and how engagement plays a critical role in addressing complex challenges like climate change, budgeting, and long-term community decision-making.

Season 2, Episode 7: Human First Messaging with Katie Evans

In this episode of EngagingCommunities, host Kelly Hickler talks with Katie Evans, Senior Communications Strategist at Woodard & Curran, about what it really means to make public communication human-centered — from translating technical jargon into plain language to running effective listening sessions that build trust. They dive into: - How to turn required notices into meaningful messages - The art of listening without defending - Why every project should start with impact - Creative ways to boost participation (yes, food helps!) If you’ve ever struggled to get people to care, show up, or understand why your work matters, this episode is for you.

Season 2, Episode 6: Grounded Leadership with Abe Herman

On this episode of EngagingCommunities, join host Kelly Hickler as she chats with Abe Herman, the outgoing mayor of Grand Junction, Colorado — and possibly the only rock climbing mayor you’ll meet. Abe shares how he went from outdoor educator and small business owner to elected office, and how he’s navigated community engagement as a policymaker without a traditional planning background. We dive into the challenges of balancing vocal public feedback with broad community needs, navigating polarized conversations with respect, and rolling out a controversial traffic calming pilot in Grand Junction’s award-winning downtown. Abe brings honesty, humility, and humor to a conversation that reminds us what true public service looks like, and why local government can be both frustrating and inspiring.

Season 2, Episode 5: Community Driven Design With Nora Bland and Laura Doherty

Welcome to the very first in-person episode of EngagingCommunities (formerly known as EngagingCities Fireside Chats) the official podcast of the APA Community Engagement Interest Group. Join host Kelly Hickler as she chats with Nora Bland and Laura Doherty from Cushing Terrell, a multidisciplinary design firm based in Denver. Together, they explore what community driven design really looks like in practice, from creative outreach methods to project wins (and missteps) that shaped better outcomes. Don’t forget to join the Interest Group at https://apacommunityengagement.org [https://apacommunityengagement.org] It’s free and open to all!

NPC25 Denver Pop-Up Podcast

Join Kelly on scene at the American Planning Association National Conference in Denver for a fun pop-up podcast.