USING SOCIAL GOALS TO EVALUATE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL DECISIONS

摘要: The need to increase public participation in environmental decision-making is receiving renewed attention at all levels of government. However, there are few approaches evaluating these processes that address the question: what results participation? This article proposes one way answer this question using a framework evaluates outcomes participatory set social goals. These goals are: (1) educating public; (2) incorporating values, assumptions, and preferences into decision making; (3) increasing substantive quality decisions; (4) fostering trust institutions; (5) reducing conflict; (6) making decisions cost-effectively. Although apply writ large, limited number formalized mechanisms available agencies for involving public. matches six by which they might be achieved. It concludes with areas further research suggested framework.