Public Participation in Regional Economic Development

1. Public Participation inRegional Economic Development Module 6

2. Public Participation inRegional Economic Development to specify the role of public participation in regional economic development to explore degrees of public involvement and expectations for decision-making Objectives: Module 6

3. Objectives (contd) • to identify obstacles to and benefits of public involvement • to identify some public participation methods and show how they can be used Module 6

4. Public Participation inRegional Economic Development “I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion.” Thomas Jefferson, 1820 Module 6

5. Why Public Participation? • lack of government resources • uncoordinated community development activities • failure of centralized approaches Module 6

6. Public Participation as a Contribution to Development • Buy-in and support are tied to economic benefits or rewards. • Decisions affect and implementation depends on the public. • Outsiders design programs. • Local people are perceived to lack technical and process skills. Module 6

7. Public Participation as a Contribution to Development (contd) • Control, direction, and decision- making remain with “professionals.” • Technical aspects become prominent. • Organizations are usually externally conceived. Module 6

8. Public Participation as a Contribution to Development (contd) • Organizations reflect only part of the community. • There is little empathy with those who should be served. • Local accountability is lacking. Module 6

9. Empowerment • People are the primary ingredients of development. • We must recognize people’s knowledge and expertise. • The total community is included. • People must feel empowered to control their own destinies. Basic Principles: Module 6

10. Empowerment (contd) • People’s skills and abilities must be developed through participation. • The role of education and training is recognized. • Expertise is a resource to the people rather than to the product. • People have the ability to determine their own futures. Module 6

11. Organizational Qualities • personal control and growth • self-reliance • conformity to local values, ideals, and expectations Module 6

12. “Animator” • works in local development • coordinates and facilitates based on people’s wishes • concentrates on the people’s participation in the process Module 6

13. “Animator” (contd) • provides focus, forecasting problems through environmental scanning • earns trust and credibility through empathy Module 6

14. Participants’ Input 6.1 Module 6

15. Obstacles to Participation • Governments traditionally designed and controlled programs. • Limited input resulted in a lack of buy-in and support. Power: Module 6

16. Obstacles to Participation (contd) • Community beliefs about organizational autonomy: • The community should control design and priorities for development. • The community knows best. • Responsibility is shared without authority and resources. Module 6

17. Obstacles to Participation (contd) • Accountability interferes with delegation. • Administrators reserve the right to determine priorities. • Planners and administrators are reluctant to concede their practice. • Local involvement adds time. Administration: Module 6

18. Benefits of Public Participation • recognition of local needs and priorities • recognition of local knowledge and skills • direct input VS prescriptive solutions • more reliable feedback on impacts of initiatives Module 6

19. Benefits of Public Participation (contd) • new insights from the community for adapting programs • lower costs in dealing with local organizations • better design of programs • improved utilization of facilities • cooperation in new program innovation Module 6

20. Implications for REDBs • improved organizational structures • added accountability through Performance Contracts • need for better public education • more equitable sharing of roles and responsibilities • less conflict and misunderstanding Module 6

21. Participants’ Input 6.2 Module 6

22. Methods • good for discussing general ideas and approaches • widespread input and perspectives obtained Public Meetings: Module 6

23. Methods (contd) • one-way communication • best for dispensing information Newsletters: Module 6

24. Methods (contd) • effective for obtaining input on specific topics • allow involvement of those most affected • useful for updating sector strategies Focus Groups: Module 6

25. Methods (contd) • recommended for collecting information • limited opportunity for exploring issues • low return rates • lack validity Questionnaires: Module 6

26. Methods (contd) • most powerful public participation tool • can become a forum for public discussion • a method of community education Media: Module 6

27. Participants’ Input 6.3 Module 6