Since the origins of the policy of the city, the need for citizen participation is recognized by all. Although participatory mechanisms will be developed and diversified, they are more often the information and consultation of a meaningful opportunity to be heard and participate in public policy.
- The participation of residents: three ways to renovate the city policy
Keeping in mind the limitations that may be related, many boards now consider the need to improve the quality of public debate and greater involvement of citizens in decisions (State Council, or National Council of Cities Council national policies to fight against poverty and social exclusion). Expectations of democratic renewal seem indeed emerge in a context marked by the crisis of the traditional representation, the development of social networks and changes in the distribution of competences between the European Union, the State and local communities.
Therefore, how to share power and decision-making expertise with the locals? How to better articulate participation and representation? What political ambition for the city? To illuminate the French government action, this paper analyzes the dynamics of the most promising foreign releasing three areas: sharing decision-making with people through "participatory budgets neighborhoods"; guarantee the quality of public debate and allow people develop their capacity to act.
Summary
- In France, what ambition for participation in the politics of the city?
- In light of foreign experiences, how to better articulate participation and representation?
- Authors: Marion Carrel, a lecturer in sociology at the University of Lille 3 and Noémie Houard, Social Issues Department.
Keywords: participation, urban policy, urban renewal, empowerment community organizing , public debate.