Contact:
     uap@vt.edu

 

INTRODUCTION

This section provides an introduction to some basic participation concepts and offers a brief history of citizen participation in the United States. The Introduction answers the following questions: 

Why should we encourage public participation in planning, problem solving and policy making? 

What should we think about as we design a public participation program?

When will the public become involved in decision making?

What level of participation is desired? What level is appropriate under these circumstances?

What might stand in the way of sustainability?  And what can we do to improve the potential for long-term success?

How will we know we are successful?

How has participation changed over the course of time?
 

This site was created by the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning at Virginia Tech
in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies
with support from the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Last updated 07/12/99