Speakers
Description
Participatory urban planning has increasingly gained attention as a means to foster more inclusive and democratic decision-making processes. However, assessing its effectiveness remains a challenge due to the interplay between objective process characteristics and subjective civic engagement dimensions. This research aims to develop an integrated framework to evaluate participatory planning processes by considering both objective and subjective dimensions.
The study investigates two key aspects: the participatory process itself and the level of civic engagement, which encompasses motivation, interest, and place attachment. The analysis follows a dual approach: (1) an objective assessment based on five variables — timeline, required competences, accessibility, process outputs, and the integration of these outputs into subsequent planning and design phases; and (2) a subjective evaluation focusing on trust in the process and perceived agency in decision-making.
The research is structured around the following research question: How can the effectiveness of a participatory planning process be evaluated? To address this question, we propose a mixed-methods approach consisting of four steps: (1) an objective analysis of the five process variables; (2) measurement of civic engagement levels; (3) assessment of trust in the participatory process; and (4) integration of the results through an appropriate analytical framework.
Our working hypothesis suggests that a participatory process is effective when trust in the process and civic engagement indicators are positive. The objective dimension of the process interacts with these perceptions, influencing their outcomes. Some variables may directly affect trust and engagement, while others can be assessed independently to determine the overall efficiency of the process.
Expected results indicate that an effective participatory process should not only produce valuable outputs but also enhance trust and civic engagement. This dual impact reinforces fundamental participatory principles, particularly agency — the capacity for choice and action — and the consequent sense of responsibility. Furthermore, these factors contribute to the success of the resulting program or project.
The proposed framework will be tested through a case study in Villacidro, offering empirical insights into the applicability of the methodology. This research aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation model that can inform more effective participatory planning practices by bridging the gap between process efficiency and civic engagement.
| Keywords | Process evaluation; Participatory planning; Civic Engagement; Agency |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
