This project pays particular attention to two dimensions of governance: the dimension of modes of coordination (horizontal vs. vertical) and the dimension of access (broad inclusion vs. small organizational networks). This research moves towards a succinct account of what could be relevant context factors for shifting the balance between government and governance. Taking into account the position of local governments in the overall political system and the different ways of institutionalizing the position of the democratically elected leader. Furthermore this paper will present several empirical examples of how leadership and community involvement are co-influencing parts in different approaches to modernize local policy making. The following cases were researched: Bristol (UK), Bergen (Norway), Cinisello Balsamo (Italy) and Heidelberg (Germany).

This paper resulted from cooperation within the EU funded research project “Participation, Leadership and Urban Sustainability” (PLUS)

The small selection of policy initiatives presented in this paper illustrates some measure of the variation in urban leaders’ approaches to community involvement – and in the responses of the community actors to these approaches:

• In the district of Bergen, the approach of politicians and managers can best be described as kind requests made towards nongovernmental actors in the urban district to express their views and discuss measures without committing themselves further.

• In Italy, Cinisello, early attempts to delimit community involvement to non-committing consultations were foiled by demands for real influence.

• In the United Kingdom, Bristol, there was a failure to even solicit the required “quota” of involvement, not least due to inadequate management.

• in Germany, Heidelberg an elaborate, long term scheme of extensive community involvement in all districts has been developed.

College of Urban planning & public affairs
Michael Haus

01/01/2004

Michael Haus and Jan Erling Klausen

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation