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Smart Engagement in Small Cities: Exploring Minority Participation in Planning
[journal article]
Abstract Smart engagement approaches are now widely applied in community planning processes. However, there continues to be a lack of representation from marginalized groups such as racial/ethnic minorities in planning processes. In this study, we explore what smart community engagement methods are being app... view more
Smart engagement approaches are now widely applied in community planning processes. However, there continues to be a lack of representation from marginalized groups such as racial/ethnic minorities in planning processes. In this study, we explore what smart community engagement methods are being applied by small cities in the U.S., and how minority communities are participating in the planning process with those engagement methods. We analyzed planning documents and public engagement data from five small cities located in different regions of the U.S. with varying levels of minority populations. We evaluated the planning processes of the study cities, specifically comprehensive planning, and what smart community engagement tools they have applied. Our study shows that smart engagements are performed primarily through community surveys and online outreach initiatives. Despite adopting these approaches, most cities received lower participation from minority populations compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Cities with higher participation rates provided more engagement opportunities and conducted targeted community events and surveys to reach out to minority and low-income communities. From this study, we conclude that cities should apply varied methods for community engagement and should not rely solely on smart approaches to engage with minority communities. For cities to increase their overall civic participation, including those underrepresented, smart engagement approaches should be supported by targeted public events and outreach activities.... view less
Keywords
citizens' participation; citizens' involvement; small town; urban planning; development model; fringe group; United States of America; minority; integration
Classification
Area Development Planning, Regional Research
Sociology of Settlements and Housing, Urban Sociology
Free Keywords
community engagement; small cities; smart city
Document language
English
Publication Year
2023
Page/Pages
p. 44-56
Journal
Urban Planning, 8 (2023) 2
Issue topic
Smart Engagement With Citizens: Integrating "the Smart" Into Inclusive Public Participation and Community Planning
ISSN
2183-7635
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed