FRANCOM

Based in the small commune of Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France, FRANCOM has established itself as a specialist in public consultation and communication. Operating since 1971, the agency has built a long-standing reputation in the field of participatory democracy and public debate, particularly for large-scale infrastructure and urban development projects. The agency’s location in the Bordeaux metropolitan area places it at the heart of a region undergoing significant economic and urban transformation, where public engagement is increasingly central to project success.

Core Services and Specialization

FRANCOM focuses on the intersection of communication and public participation, offering services that support project owners in navigating the complex landscape of citizen dialogue. The agency’s work is grounded in the principles of the French National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) and the regulatory frameworks that govern public consultation for major projects. Their expertise spans the entire lifecycle of a consultation process, from initial planning to execution and follow-up. Key services include:

• Design and implementation of public debate and consultation plans (plans de concertation)
• Organization of public forums, workshops, and participatory meetings
• Digital consultation platforms and online participation tools
• Media relations and press monitoring for public projects
• Socio-economic analysis and stakeholder mapping
• Event organization and facilitation of multi-stakeholder dialogues
• Communication strategy development for transport, energy, and urban development projects
• Collection and analysis of public feedback

Over the years, FRANCOM has developed a particular strength in managing large-scale public debates, having overseen nine such debates under the aegis of the CNDP. This experience gives the agency a deep understanding of the regulatory requirements and practical challenges involved in engaging citizens on controversial or complex topics.

Client Base and Project Scope

FRANCOM serves a diverse range of clients, including national government agencies, public enterprises, local authorities, private companies, and non-profit organizations. The agency has worked on over one hundred projects spanning multiple sectors. Notable areas of intervention include transport and mobility projects (such as road infrastructure and public transit), energy production (both renewable and conventional), environmental management (waste, water, and ecological risks), urban planning (local urban plans and eco-districts), and tourism and leisure development. More recently, FRANCOM has also applied its participatory methods to the health sector, supporting initiatives in "democracy in health" (démocratie en santé). The agency’s approach is to tailor its communication and consultation strategies to the specific context of each project, ensuring that all stakeholders—from elected officials to local residents—have a voice in the decision-making process.

Methodology and Approach

FRANCOM’s methodology is built on the conviction that public participation is essential for the success of any infrastructure, urban planning, or public policy project. The agency intervenes at all stages of a project, from initial context studies and feasibility analysis through to the public inquiry phase and even during construction. Their team combines expertise in communication, sociology, and project management to design innovative formats for dialogue. These may include digital consultation tools, thematic workshops, public forums, and other participatory methods that encourage constructive exchange between project promoters and the public. By fostering early and continuous engagement, FRANCOM helps to reduce conflict, build trust, and ultimately create projects that are more widely accepted by the community.

For organizations planning a major infrastructure or urban development project in France—particularly those requiring formal public debate or consultation under CNDP guidelines—FRANCOM offers a seasoned partner with decades of experience. The agency is especially well-suited for clients in the transport, energy, and environmental sectors, as well as for local governments undertaking urban renewal or planning initiatives. Its deep roots in Saint-Caprais-de-Bordeaux and its extensive network across Nouvelle-Aquitaine make FRANCOM a reliable choice for projects that demand a nuanced understanding of French public participation regulations and local stakeholder dynamics.