Members of a charrette team should be experts on all base data concerning their project. It is the responsibility of the charrette team to make sure that all members of the community (in addition to the other stakeholders) are given access to all of the base data. In a charrette, the public flow of information is paramount and any action that can possibly be perceived as a “back room deal” can throw a charrette off course. Also, there can be no perception that the charrette team is missing vital information. When, for example, previous studies of the area are overlooked, an opponent of the development is sure to bring it up in a public meeting which will not only embarrass the charrette team and sponsor but may derail the entire process. At best, it will contribute to a general lack of trust. When this happens, an outside group may take over the process. If previous studies are taken into account though, participants’ will feel that their efforts and heritage are valued. 

Commonly overlooked base data:

• City ordinances, policies and standards: There are stories from past charrettes of participants who knew the codes better than the charrette team, who have corrected city representatives on their own ordinances during public meetings.
• Previous studies: Collecting and examining previous studies shows that the charrette team respects work that has already been accomplished in the area. Studies conducted by local universities are often overlooked.