Comment 74607

By kevlahan (registered) | Posted February 22, 2012 at 05:25:25

The top down/bottom up dichotomy is rather crude, but I mean what Graham pointed out: that the sequence in public consultations about policies is wrong.

There is no point developing new policy, or planning new infrastructure projects if Council has not already decided that we need a new policy, or that they are going to fund the infrastructure project. Once Council decides they want to make changes (and that there is a rough budget in place), then they should start public consultation to help shape the scope and details of the policy and project.

Of course, deciding that we need a new policy also means that the policy will actually determine day-to-day decisions, not just sit on a shelf.

It may turn out that the policy or project is not feasible, or that Council wants to make significant changes, but that should be an extremely rare occurrence. It is usually pretty easy to know what one is getting into, and to define the scope of the policy or project clearly enough to avoid this problem.

As in the case of Strasbourg, Council can also show goodwill by kicking off the process with a number of simple and quick changes. If you want a new policy to make it is easier, safer and more comfortable for pedestrians to get around ("A pedestrian master plan"), why not immediately make a few positive changes so the public is confident you are serious. Pilot projects are always good (as in NYC).

The current sequence, which ends up simply wasting public and staff time, is disheartening and seems more like "therapy" http://raisethehammer.org/article/859/ than decision making. In other words, it makes staff and the public feel like they are contributing and making positive change, although nothing actually happens.

Comment edited by kevlahan on 2012-02-22 05:26:14

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