The Rebirth of Urban Democracy

by Berry, Jeffrey M.; Portney, Kent E.; Thomson, Ken

• ISBN13: 9780815709282
• ISBN10: 0815709285
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1993-02-01
• Publisher: Brookings Institution Press

Summary

In an era when government seems remote and difficult to approach, participatory democracy may seem a hopelessly romantic notion. Yet nothing is more crucial to the future of American democracy than to develop some way of spurring greater citizen participation. In this important book, Jeffrey Berry, Ken Portney, and Ken Thompson examine cities that have created systems of neighborhood government and incorporated citizens in public policymaking. Through careful research and analysis, the authors find that neighborhood based participation is the key to revitalizing American democracy.The Rebirth of Urban Democracy provides a thorough examination of five cities with strong citizen participation programs--Birmingham, Dayton, Portland, St. Paul, and San Antonio. In each city, the authors explore whether neighborhood associations encourage more people to participate; whether these associations are able to promote policy responsiveness on the art of local governments; and whether participation in these associations increases the capacity of people to take part in government. Finally, the authors outline the steps that can be taken to increase political participation in urban America. Berry, Portney, and Thomson show that citizens in participatory programs are able to get their issues on the public agenda and develop a stronger sense of community, greater trust in government officials, and more confidence in the political system. From a rigorous evaluation of surveys and interviews with thousands of citizens and policymakers, the authors also find that central governments in these cities are highly responsive to their neighborhoods and that less conflict exists among citizens and policymakers. The authors assert that these programs can provide a blueprint for major reform in cities across the country. They outline the components for successful participation programs and offer recommendations for those who want to get involved. They demonstrate that participation systems can influence citizens to become more knowledgeable, more productive, and more confident in government; and can provide more governments with a mechanism for being more responsive in setting priorities and formulating polices that closely approximate the true preferences of the people.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. v
Participation and Democracy	p. 1
is Participation Possible?	p. 19
a Legacy of Failure	p. 21
the Potential for Success	p. 46
More Participation?	p. 71
Does Government Respond?	p. 99
Controlling the Public Agenda	p. 101
Shaping Policy Outcomes	p. 135
the Neighborhood Voice	p. 166
Does Participation Empower?	p. 193
Three Deadly Sins: Conflict, Alienation, and Delay	p. 195
Tolerance and Intolerance	p. 214
Building Community Confidence	p. 232
Enhancing Citizen Capacity	p. 256
Conclusion	p. 281
the Case for Strong Democracy	p. 283
Methodological Appendix	p. 301
Index	p. 319
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