The role of the planner has evolved from grand designer to technician/expert to a
facilitator who assists community members as they develop a collective vision for the
future. Virtually every aspect of planning requires that a planner come into contact with
the general public -- through public hearings, commission meetings, plan review sessions,
community problem-solving sessions, or office appointments.
Professional planners and planning officials therefore need a tool that will prepare
them – for each of the various roles they assume and the myriad scenarios they
encounter – to interact with the general public.
This site has been developed as a resource for planners who aim to go beyond
traditional participation and conflict resolution -- who would like to explore
opportunities and alternatives for effective collaboration and participation in local
problem solving and policy making.
The site includes an introduction to partnerships and participation and a history of
citizen involvement in public decision making. Other areas of the site provide information
on participation tools and techniques, demonstrated in specific planning cases. Finally,
the site offers an opportunity for users to test their understanding of collaboration in
planning through some simulations and scenarios.
In addition to the information we have developed, this site includes links to
interesting and informative web/internet sites and a library of references and resource
materials.
