Collaborative Decision Making: Using Multiattribute Utility Analysis to Involve Stakeholders in Resolution of Controversial Transportation Issues

Instead of comparing a broad range of alternatives against common criteria, traditional transportation alternatives analysis methods tend to pit supporters of one alternative against those of another. As a result, public involvement processes intended to help resolve controversial issues often polarize the public and force decision makers to side with one position or another. However, a simple form of multiattribute utility analysis (MUA) has proved very effective in involving stakeholders in a collaborative process. This type of analysis is relatively inexpensive to execute, fosters problem solving, and has a high probability of leading to a defensible, implementable decision. This modified MUA approach has been applied to two California freeway-access projects.