Everyone has a voice in smart growth communities.
One of the key smart growth principles is to nurture and engage citizens in land use decision-making. Citizens are fantastic assets in planning for the future of their communities: they are the best experts about the qualities of the places they live and how those places should grow and change.
While informed citizen participation can slow down decision-making, it ultimately improves planning processes by building trust and respect between the devleopment community, decision-makers, and residents.
In many communities across BC residents report that they feel disempowered, that they do not have a voice, and that frequently the time they put into public forums and meetings are wasted because their suggestions do not 'make a difference.'
Effective Community Involvement Strategies
Education: accurate, transparent, and timely information from developers and local/regional government.
Commitment: citizens must make time to access information and make thoughtful comments.
Large-scale thinking: smart growth decisions affect the environment, property taxes, commuting, housing options, and many other issues.
Diversity: residents of all ages from all sectors of the community must participate.
Looking Outward: A smart growth approach must look beyond the needs of an individual or group. The challenge is to achieve community or regional interests while respecting local and individual needs.
Compromise: not every viewpoint, comment, or suggestion will be able to be accepted. Being involved in group visioning necissates respect, understading, and some compromise.
Inclusive: Civic participation can start with any individual or group in a community, but the entire range of local interests must be included. A broad coalition should include:
- landowners
- renters
- businesses/Chambers of Commerce
- developers
- conservationist and stewardship groups
- transportation activists
- youth
- students
- seniors
- anyone else committed to creating more livable communities
Governments Can
- Provide transparency in decision-making by putting all available resources on the web.
- Allow ample time and adequate advertising when hosting an open house or public meeting.
- Consider hearing zoning amendments together only once or twice a year, rather than as they arise.
- Keep lines of communication between citizen groups, goverment staff, and elected officials open.
- Contact Smart Growth BC and ask about best practices to ensure that representatives from all demographics participate in group visioning and planning execises.
Citizens Can
- Follow your local council activity on development and planning issues.
- Talk to your neighbours and friends about smart growth.
- Write a letter to the local newspaper or call a local radio talk show.
- Question your politicians and candidates at election time.
- Get involved with community groups that are concerned with community or sustainability issues – or, form a new one.
Smart Growth BC Resources
Smart Growth BC has developed a suite of tools and resources for both citizens and decision-makers to employ to create meaningful dialogue and exchange within the community regarding community visioning and long-term planning decisions.
Case Studies