Public Participation for 21st Century Democracy

A comprehensive text on the theory and practice of public participation Written by two leaders in the field, Public Participation for 21st Century Democracy explores the theory and practice of public participation in decision-making and problem-solving. It examines how public participation developed over time to include myriad thick, thin, and conventional opportunities, occurring in both face-to-face meetings and online settings. The book explores the use of participation in various arenas, including education, health, land use, and state and federal government. It offers a practical framework for thinking about how to engage citizens effectively, and clear explanations of participation scenarios, tactics, and designs. Finally, the book provides a sensible approach for reshaping our participation infrastructure to meet the needs of public officials and citizens. The book is filled with illustrative examples of innovative participatory activities, and numerous sources for more information. This important text puts the spotlight on the need for long-term, cross-sector, participation planning, and provides guidance for leaders, citizens, activists, and others who are determined to improve the ways that participation and democracy function. Public Participation for 21st Century Democracy: Helps students and practitioners understand the history, theory, and practice  of public participation Contains a wealth of case studies that explore the application of public participation in different settings Covers vital issues such as education, health, land use, and state and federal government Has accompanying instructor resources, such as PowerPoint slides, discussion questions, sample assignments, case studies and research from www.participedia.net, and classroom activities.

List of Figures, Exhibits, and Tables ix Preface xi Acknowledgments xiii About the Authors xv PART ONE Participation in a Rapidly Changing Democracy 1 ONE Citizenship, Outside the Public Square 3 TWO Good or Bad? Charming or Tedious? Understanding Public Participation 13 THREE Pictures from a (R)evolution: The Fitful Development of Public Participation in the United States 45 PART TWO Participation in Action 75 FOUR Participation in Education 77 FIVE Participation in Health 117 S I X Participation in Planning and Land Use 155 SEVEN Participation in State and Federal Government 195 PART THREE Participation for Democracy, Present and Future 239 EIGHT Participation Scenarios and Tactics 241 NINE Assembling Participation Infrastructure 287 TEN Building Democracy 305 Name Index 329 Subject Index 337