Open houses are a key component for engaging people in the process and learning what concerns and issues are important. ATC encourages open house attendance, including personalized invitations and phone call reminders. These forums help landowners understand the need for the projects, provide access to exhibits and experts, and encourage meaningful dialogue and involvement. The informal environment at open houses allow for personal interactions with a ATC project staff who can answer questions and respond to concerns—and most importantly, listen.

Many people ask us, "What's the difference between a public meeting and a public hearing?"  Although ATC doesn't host many traditional public meetings, it is a forum where people who have questions or concerns can come and voice their opinions about a proposed project. We use an open house forum to accomplish this.

A public hearing, is a formal court-like forum held by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin which offers the opportunity for consumers, local government officials,
industry representatives, and others to bring their thoughts and concerns about
a proposed project to the attention of the three Commissioners. The comments gathered at a public hearing become part of the case record, which is used by the Commissions to reach a decision about a project proposal. Download PSC publication, A Guide to Public Hearings.