Engaging Citizens in State Recreation Planning: Best Practices from Oregon

Citizen participation in public planning processes is one of the hallmarks of American democracy. Transparency, intentionality, and inclusiveness are essential to effective planning in the 21st century, whether planning efforts relate to energy, transportation, health, education, law enforcement, economic development, or recreation, park, and environmental initiatives. Comprehensive planning efforts are necessary in the battle for scarce fiscal resources and given mandates for efficiency, effectiveness, and positive outcomes.