Learn some ways that urban planners and local governments can motivate residents to participate in community planning and shape their communities.

based on my experience of working as an urban planner in an underdeveloped country, the step which is the fundamental step, is empowerment and support. this step should be followed by education and inform. we have to inform citizens of their rights and give them visions about the possible alternatives and the excepted future. in my opinion giving the citizens the voice to speak their mind is an initial step and then we have to listen them respectfully.

What are ways to incentivize residents to participate in community planning?

Community planning is a process that involves residents, stakeholders, and professionals in shaping the future of their neighborhoods, cities, and regions. It can address various issues, such as land use, transportation, housing, environment, public services, and economic development. However, engaging residents in community planning can be challenging, as they may face barriers such as lack of time, information, trust, or interest. How can urban planners and local governments incentivize residents to participate in community planning and make their voices heard? Here are some ways to do so.

Key takeaways from this article

Diverse communication channels:

Offer various ways for residents to engage, such as online surveys, town halls, and focus groups. This ensures everyone can participate in a manner that suits their preferences and needs.### *Incentives and rewards:Provide tangible rewards like gift cards or recognition to motivate participation. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and demonstrates appreciation for community input.

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1 Offer multiple channels

One way to incentivize residents to participate in community planning is to offer multiple channels of communication and feedback, such as online surveys, social media, phone calls, emails, newsletters, workshops, focus groups, town halls, and public hearings. By providing different options, planners can reach out to a diverse and representative sample of residents, who may have different preferences, needs, and abilities. For example, some residents may prefer to share their opinions online, while others may want to interact face-to-face. Some residents may need translation or accessibility services, while others may need childcare or transportation assistance. Offering multiple channels can also increase the frequency and quality of engagement, as residents can choose the most convenient and comfortable way to get involved.

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Shaveen Silva

Urban and Regional Planner @ Urban Development Authority | Development Plans, Land and Building Regulations, Land Use Planning, Spacial Planning, Real Estate Development and Valuation
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Encouraging residents to actively participate in community planning is crucial for creating inclusive and effective policies. Here are several ways to incentivize residents to get involved: 1. Accessible Information 2. Community Workshops and Meetings 3. Online Platforms 4. Surveys and Questionnaires 5. Recognition and Appreciation 6. Demonstrate Impact 7. Flexible Participation Options By combining these strategies, communities can create a more inclusive and participatory planning process, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among residents.

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2 Provide incentives and rewards

Another way to incentivize residents to participate in community planning is to provide incentives and rewards for their involvement, such as gift cards, vouchers, prizes, certificates, recognition, or credits. These can motivate residents to take action and show appreciation for their contributions. For example, some cities have used gamification techniques, such as points, badges, leaderboards, or challenges, to encourage residents to complete surveys, attend events, or provide feedback. Some cities have also used participatory budgeting, which allows residents to decide how to allocate a portion of the public funds for their community projects. These incentives and rewards can also create a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents, as they can see the impact of their participation.

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Riddhi Sarda

Architect, Urban Planner, Researcher, Academician
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Sense of ownership leads to capacity building and one good example of this is SWM in Indore, India. Incentives and rewards are one of the best practices in terms of policy implemention and behavioral (positive) change of residents.

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3 Build trust and relationships

A third way to incentivize residents to participate in community planning is to build trust and relationships with them, as well as among them. This can be done by being transparent, accountable, responsive, and respectful. For example, planners can share information and data about the community planning process and outcomes, explain how residents' input will be used and considered, follow up with feedback and updates, and acknowledge the challenges and limitations. Planners can also foster a culture of collaboration and dialogue, by creating spaces and opportunities for residents to interact with each other, listen to different perspectives, learn from diverse experiences, and find common ground. Building trust and relationships can also enhance the legitimacy and credibility of the community planning process, as residents can feel more confident and satisfied with the results.

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Riddhi Sarda

Architect, Urban Planner, Researcher, Academician
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I agree that planning should a transparent process for a successful community development. Also, residents/participants should be educated to take well informed decisions.

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4 Educate and inform

A fourth way to incentivize residents to participate in community planning is to educate and inform them about the issues, opportunities, and benefits of community planning. This can be done by providing clear, relevant, and accessible information and resources, such as factsheets, infographics, maps, videos, or stories. These can help residents understand the context and background of the community planning process, the goals and objectives, the roles and responsibilities, and the expected outcomes and impacts. Educating and informing residents can also increase their interest and awareness, as they can see how community planning affects their lives and well-being, and how they can make a difference.

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5 Empower and support

A fifth way to incentivize residents to participate in community planning is to empower and support them to take leadership and initiative in their own communities. This can be done by providing training, mentoring, coaching, or funding for residents who want to start or join community projects, groups, or organizations. These can help residents develop their skills, knowledge, and confidence to identify and address their own needs, challenges, and aspirations. Empowering and supporting residents can also create a sense of agency and responsibility, as they can become more active and engaged citizens, who can influence and shape their communities.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Banafsheh Yadegarzadeh

Urban and Regional planner
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based on my experience of working as an urban planner in an underdeveloped country, the step which is the fundamental step, is empowerment and support. this step should be followed by education and inform. we have to inform citizens of their rights and give them visions about the possible alternatives and the excepted future. in my opinion giving the citizens the voice to speak their mind is an initial step and then we have to listen them respectfully.

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Samer Yamak

✨National Transformation Consulting Leader for Smart Cognitive Cities advisory / storytelling | Urban Planning | Regional SME Speaker | EMBA Tutor | 9 Global awards including 2 x President Club Awards | Philanthropist ✨
(edited)
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I learned a lot from interesting comments above. thank you all for sharing. Perhaps treating residents as stakeholders could also be important. Things like inform, support, empower, educate... are all great and may very well entice several residents. If residents however are told for instance that a tunnel/bridge/hospital/school/stadium... needs to be built to speak to their culture and that it's up to residents to select, people would become proactive in sharing opinions or even persuade others to contribute accordingly. Another way is using reverse psychology: say for example we link electricity tariff, consumption and waste and with money back for top achievers, then residents would want to compete and save on energy.

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Dan Hoffman

Semi-retired, Full-time Grandpa
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The question itself has some interesting biases. While planners generally think of CP as important, the fact is that much of participation is what might be thought of as "negative participation;" being against affordable housing in some suburb, or against some other development in an urban setting out of fear of gentrification. Whatever form of CP is used, doing regularly rather than in response to some proposal that attracts the "grand conspiracy crowd" in response to some crisis is helpful. Teaching about the process environment in which proposals are considered is useful and it is vital to have a conversation that includes the future, in addition to the regularly represented past and present.

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What are ways to incentivize residents to participate in community planning?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Offer multiple channels

2 Provide incentives and rewards

3 Build trust and relationships

4 Educate and inform

5 Empower and support

6 Here’s what else to consider

Urban Planning

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What are ways to incentivize residents to participate in community planning?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Offer multiple channels

2 Provide incentives and rewards

3 Build trust and relationships

4 Educate and inform

5 Empower and support

6 Here’s what else to consider

Urban Planning

Rate this article

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