Citizen Participation in Municipal Politics

Abstract

This paper addresses an important theoretical and contemporary policy concern: the consequences of neighborhood decentralization programs. Two areas of consequence, in particular, are examined. These include the impact of such participation on citizen satisfaction with improved delivery of goods and services, and program impact on improved citizen trust. Significantly, an optimum program typology is identified which maximizes both values. The concluding section draws upon the data presented here, as well as on other available research, in an attempt to suggest a theoretical model of citizen participation and its consequences.