A comprehensive text on the theory and practice of public participation

Written by two leaders in the field, Public Participation for 21^st Century Democracy explores the theory and practice of public participation in decision-making and problem-solving. It examines how public participation developed over time to include myriad thick, thin, and conventional opportunities, occurring in both face-to-face meetings and online settings. The book explores the use of participation in various arenas, including education, health, land use, and state and federal government. It offers a practical framework for thinking about how to engage citizens effectively, and clear explanations of participation scenarios, tactics, and designs. Finally, the book provides a sensible approach for reshaping our participation infrastructure to meet the needs of public officials and citizens.

The book is filled with illustrative examples of innovative participatory activities, and numerous sources for more information. This important text puts the spotlight on the need for long-term, cross-sector, participation planning, and provides guidance for leaders, citizens, activists, and others who are determined to improve the ways that participation and democracy function. Public Participation for 21^st Century Democracy:

• Helps students and practitioners understand the history, theory, and practice of public participation


• Contains a wealth of case studies that explore the application of public participation in different settings


• Covers vital issues such as education, health, land use, and state and federal government


• Has accompanying instructor resources, such as PowerPoint slides, discussion questions, sample assignments, case studies and research from www.participedia.net, and classroom activities.

TINA NABATCHI is an associate professor of public administration and international affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University. The author of several book chapters, monographs, research reports, and white papers, her research focuses on citizen participation, collaborative governance, and conflict resolution.

MATT LEIGHNINGER is the executive director of the Deliberative Democracy Consortium, an alliance of organizations and leading scholars in the field of deliberation and public participation. With twenty years in the field, he has worked with public engagement efforts in over 100 communities, forty states, and four Canadian provinces.

List of Figures, Exhibits, and Tables ix

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xiii

About the Authors xv

PART ONE Participation in a Rapidly Changing Democracy 1

ONE Citizenship, Outside the Public Square 3

TWO Good or Bad? Charming or Tedious? Understanding Public Participation 13

THREE Pictures from a (R)evolution: The Fitful Development of Public Participation in the United States 45

PART TWO Participation in Action 75

FOUR Participation in Education 77

FIVE Participation in Health 117

S I X Participation in Planning and Land Use 155

SEVEN Participation in State and Federal Government 195

PART THREE Participation for Democracy, Present and Future 239

EIGHT Participation Scenarios and Tactics 241

NINE Assembling Participation Infrastructure 287

TEN Building Democracy 305

Name Index 329

Subject Index 337