Title: Citizen Participation and Government Choice in Local Environmental Controversies

Authors: Judith A. Layzer

Summary: Policy Studies Journal, 30(2): 193-207; 2002
Recommended Audience: Civic officials, public administrators, land use planners, public policy professionals.
Principal Topic: Assessment of collaborative environmental decision-making in the resolution of land use issues.
Review: This article uses a single, critical case to assess the collaborative environmental decision making process in land use issues. The analysis of the case study suggests that desirable outcomes are unlikely in the absence of stringent regulatory requirements established at the federal, state or local level. This study concludes that collaborative environmental decision-making must include genuine participation by and communication among all stakeholders in order to be successful.

Implications: This paper may be useful to public administrators, government officials, and land use planners in avoiding the pitfalls of using the collaborative environmental decision-making process with citizens, land use developers and elected officials.

Resource(s): Citizen Participation and Government Choice