I already emphasized the importance of citizens becoming more involved in the urban planning process and there is a reason for that emphasis. Residents are the individuals living in a city and experiencing it day-to-day; therefore, their first hand experience on the benefits and issues that they observed while residing in a community are essential to understand.
It is one thing to read about a place from a book or a theoretical perspective. It is another to experience it first-hand. Even within one city, there are many different districts and areas that may potentially have completely different benefits and drawbacks. Interacting with citizens across all of these distinct areas is important. That way, planners and other key stakeholders can better ensure that their plans and methods seek to consider those residing within these different regions.
Planners have identified the importance of having greater citizen participation in the planning process in recent years; however, it is still evident that the issues persist. The public continues to feel not heard and rebel as a result of lack of trust in the professionals formulating the plans that in theory should seek to help increase their quality of life.
Before I became a planner, I am guilty of complaining about city projects and the lack of public meetings. I did not understand why certain decisions were made. My lack of knowledge ultimately did result in me being resentful with governmental figures at the time. I did not know why they partook in a certain action; therefore, how can I understand why it is beneficial? Now I better understand both sides: the perspective of the public as well as a professional. I want to work towards bridging this gap.
So what can planners do to better accommodate citizens?
- Encourage citizen participation by reaching out through multiple mediums. For instance, those who are younger may be reached through social media platforms while elderly individuals may be better accessed through news ads as well as word of mouth.
- Implement participation methods that would engage individuals of all ages and backgrounds. A public meeting in which you are simply informing the public, and open the floor for objection, will not engage the majority of the public. In the above instance, planners already came up with the plans and are telling the public “okay we did not need your input beforehand, would anyone like to object?” Instead, a two-way conversation will lead to better engagement and results. Having members of the public discuss with planners and other key stakeholders what their opinions and hopes are will allow planners to incorporate their feedback into the draft of the plan. Revisions done after a plan is already complete is more difficult to follow through with.
- Set public sessions at times that would increase the amount of participation. For instance, Monday at 1pm is likely not going to have a huge turnout, as adults may be working and kids are in school.
- It is no secret that there may be knowledge gap between planners and the general public. For instance, the general public may not familiar with the terms used by planning professionals. That instantly creates a divide between the two groups, as it makes it difficult for both parties to effectively communicate. Planners should speak to members of the public in terms they would better understand. That way, the general public is able to understand what planners are trying to accomplish. The lack of trust ultimately results in many issues down the line. The public will not believe that planners are acting in their best interest; as a result, they may rebel on any decision, even if it has benefits for them long-term.
What can citizens do to better participate in projects in their community?
- Think about a project in terms of how it will better the broader community. It is easy to think about your own individual needs; however, in order to better our cities, we must think in a collective manner. We should not only think about ourselves. For instance, how will a project impact all income levels? It should seek to benefit all groups, not place a disadvantage on anyone (e.g. low-income individuals).
- Follow your city on social media platforms and look out for public meetings and sessions. Attend them. Respectfully voice your opinion. Discuss matters with other citizens and seek to learn and attain different perspectives.
- Seek knowledge about your city in terms of its issues. That way, awareness is made and action can be had. For instance, alert yourself if there are environmental issues and its consequences if it remains unsolved. That awareness will lead to action that you will take to ultimately reduce your carbon footprint and help in mitigating the consequences of an issue. Ignorance tends to result in inaction.
- Volunteer with your local community/city to help with projects. Do your part to ensue the enhancement in the quality of life of your city
The above strategies help in ensuring that there is better and more effective communication between planners and the general public. When a decision is validated by multiple viewpoints, it becomes stronger and more powerful. Even if not every opinion will be acted upon, the idea that everyone felt heard and better understands the other side will allow for greater trust and transparency.
Until next time,
Adena