Values, conflict, and trust in participatory environmental planning

TLDR

Public participation in environmental decision‑making is increasingly advocated, yet little is known about its benefits or why some programs succeed while others fail. This study evaluates how public participation in Great Lakes environmental planning incorporates public values, resolves stakeholder conflict, and builds trust in agencies. The authors used a case‑survey approach, systematically coding information from existing case studies to assess participatory outcomes. Findings suggest that public participation can be effective, especially when communication is clear and stakeholders remain committed, though some caveats apply. © 2000 Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.

Abstract

The need for greater public involvement in environmental decisionmaking has been highlighted in recent high-profile research reports and emphasized by leaders at all levels of government. In some cases, environmental agencies have opened the door to greater participation in their programs. However, there is relatively little information on what can be gained from greater public involvement and what makes some programs work while others fail. This article presents an evaluation of public participation in several cases of environmental planning in the Great Lakes region, focusing on how effectively these efforts introduced public values into government decisionmaking, resolved conflict among stakeholders, and built trust in environmental agencies. Data for the analysis came from a "case survey" method in which the authors systematically coded information from previously written case studies. The research findings support an optimistic view of public participation—although not without important caveats—and emphasize the importance of communication and commitment in the participatory process. © 2000 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.