Dear Ada,

Pro

1. Issuing a local development strategy without the residents’ consultation is against the transparency principles (government decisions should be available for the residents not only at the stage of the final documents but at the stage of plans).

2. Residents will more likely support government’s decision when it’s their own decision too, when they took part in the discussion. But it works only when local governments took into consideration residents’ point of view. When government asks the opinion but does the opposite (as it could be the case in Russia) this system does not work.

Contra

Is difficult to receive people’s support for necessary but unpopular decision (which is often the case in transition economies). In that case, governments prefer to develop documents without consultation (they know in advance that residents would be against). But after the publication of the documents local authorities for sure should explain their position to the residents.

Regards,

Natalia

In the uS, changes in local development plans of virtually all types are subject to "public hearings".  That means that the time and place are announced in local news media beforehand and (usually) owners of property within a legally specified distance (often 500 feet) are sent a mailed notice.  The hearing is a good way for the local authority to gauge not only public opinion, but also lack of same.  If 100 people turn out, plans may or may not be changed.  If no one turns out, the authority has some confidence that the public either accepts the changes or doesn't care.  It's a useful strategy for not only getting public input, but also for judging the local politics of the specific situation.

Dear Ada,

In Brazil, especially in São Paulo planning through popular participation is being introduced and has brought good results:

Some papers about it:

http://thecityfix.com/blog/sao-paulo-brazil-master-plan-prioritizes-sustainable-urban-development-people-oriented-mobility-public-participation-maria-fernanda-cavalcanti/

http://www.mekonginfo.org/assets/midocs/0003740-inland-waters-toward-community-based-watershed-management-in-santo-andre-sao-paolo-brazil.pdf

http://www.proarq.fau.ufrj.br/revista/public/docs/Proarq18_ParticipativeMaster_StephanReisRocha.pdf

http://usj.sagepub.com/content/early/2014/03/04/0042098014524461.abstract

Regards,

Vanessa

Usually, this the traditionally followed top to bottom development approach specially in the developing country, this strategic approach misses clear communication and participation process.  Without understanding local setting and community pulse, belief, values, attitudes and behaviour, planting and carrying on development is difficult task and less resulted.

I think participation by society in government planning is an essential input into policy making that helps render plans responsive to the real needs of people thus enhancing effectiveness and efficiency. Bottom up planning is more effective  than top down planning.