The term also refers to the public process toward such projects.

The hearing was the only formal opportunity for members of the public to participate in the budget process.

All concerned parties will have ample opportunity to participate in this public process.

"It establishes an open and public process for the first time."

It is anticipated that the Board will make decisions regarding a public process in the fall or winter of 2002/03.

The board's commitment already includes a Web site and a formal public process, neither of which received any attention in the article.

"We'll look into any stories that arise as we work through this now public process."

Another argument points to the lack of public process leading to the decision to use the site as a marina.

"We will have a public process to get input from the entire community."

"A public process doesn't begin until there's an official plan," he said.