How Civic Engagement Platforms Can Bring Back the Expertise of Urban Planners

Why aren’t planners able to implement new initiatives? A significant challenge is getting political and community buy-in. To be fair, online engagement platforms cannot solve all the complex political challenges in local communities, but they can bring more transparency and accountability to the political process. Public meetings are the de facto method for collecting resident feedback for urban development projects. Because they are often held at inconvenient times, most residents are unable to participate. Bringing the information online helps more people access the information, weigh-in, and offer support for projects.

by
Karin Brandt

Full Story: http://www.planetizen.com/node/70447