Citizen Engagement: A Catalyst for Effective Local Government

Authors

  • Andrew William Bucci Dalhousie University
  • Lucy Hulford Dalhousie University
  • Alison MacDonald Dalhousie University
  • James Rothwell Dalhousie University

Keywords:

Citizen Engagement, Public Engagement, Local Government

Abstract

This project examined the crucial role citizen engagement plays in the local governance process by analyzing various methods of citizen engagement and their direct application to examples in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). A literature review and jurisdictional scan was conducted to develop a Best Elements Framework for effective citizen engagement. This identified the seven best elements of citizen engagement, including: timing, use of technology, diversity/representativeness, multiple engagement mechanisms, two-way communication, active community building and accountability/transparency. This framework was then applied to two HRM-based case studies: the HRM Community Engagement Strategy and the HRM Rebranding Strategy. Through analysis of both case studies, the group concluded that the methods utilized were effective overall.  Four recommendations were generated for HRM moving forward: creating an annual citizen engagement report card, integrating and expanding online engagement mechanisms, exploring other engagement and evaluation mechanisms, and establish guidelines with community stakeholders for how engagement will impact decision-making.

Author Biographies

Andrew William Bucci, Dalhousie University

Andrew Bucci is a 2015 Master of Public (MPA) Candidate at Dalhousie University. He completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Joint Advanced Major in History and Political Science at St. Francis Xavier University. Andrew is currently a Dalhousie University Senator, and represents the interests of the graduate student community in Senate. His professional interests include law and justice, national defense, and foreign policy and international relations. Andrew is from Newmarket, ON.

Lucy Hulford, Dalhousie University

Lucy Hulford is a 2015 Master of Public Administration candidate at Dalhousie University and serves as the Vice-Chair and Chair of Programming for the 2015 Atlantic Conference on Public Administration. Lucy completed her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and English at Saint Mary‘s University. Her professional interests include defense and procurement policy, public safety and succession planning. Lucy is originally from West Vancouver, BC.

Alison MacDonald, Dalhousie University

Alison Macdonald is a 2015 Master of Public
Administration (MPA) Candidate at Dalhousie University. Alison has her Bachelor of Arts Honours from Saint Mary‘s University specializing in the subject of Political Science and Criminology. Her professional interests include foreign policy, risk management, and public sector renewal. Alison is from Cole Harbor, NS

James Rothwell, Dalhousie University

James Rothwell is a 2015 Master of Public Administration
(MPA)/Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) Candidate. James earned his Bachelor of Arts Honours from the University of Toronto specializing in the subjects of History and Political Science. His professional interests include public sector renewal, foreign policy, and innovative, sustainable development. James is from
Toronto, ON.

References

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Published

2015-04-07

Issue

Vol. 11 (2015)

Section

Articles

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