Citizen Engagement in Building Marginalized Communities: a Comparative Analysis of Los Angeles and Philadelphia Experiences
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Date
2015-02-18
Authors
Eneanya, A.N
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Abstract
The paper analyzes the recent innovative strategies of government through community engagement and civic collaboration in public management in Los Angeles and Philadelphia. These recent innovative strategies entail local institutional reforms that can actually drive administration at the local level. Using qualitative case study and comparative designs, the paper observes from secondary level of textbooks, journal, articles, Internets, government reports and other secondary sources that two institutional reforms were undertaken in Los Angeles and Philadelphia respectively. In Los Angeles, eighty-nine neighbourhood commissioners were established. These neighbourhood councils were organised from the grassroots and connected officially to the governance process. Particular engagement technique in Los Angeles that facilitates collaboration includes the use of outreach, which includes the distribution of information through flyers, email, posters in prominent locations, notices community newspapers and similar means of notifying people of the new council. On the other hand, in Philadelphia, the Public Technology Institute (PTI), through the office of Innovations and Technology, partners with community organizations, higher learning institutions and residents to plan and implement two innovative programs namely, “phillySports and PhillyRising”. Particular engagement technique includes electronic or digital infrastructure, which involves citizens relationship/ records management (CRM) systems, web portal technology, telephone systems and mobile communication. These multi channel contacts enable citizens to make online requests for improvement of services for their neighbourhood , a place to live and work. The research findings on Los Angeles system show mixed results. Some neighbourhood councils are well organized and function reasonably well, but others are less successful. In contrast, research findings in Philadelphia shows that “Philly311 contact centre” using mobile application has put city government services literally at citizens’ reaches. The paper concludes by suggesting that Philadelphia innovative strategies are learning points for Los Angeles, which is still having challenges in participation of young people, immigrants and renters in addition in building capacities of City Administrative agencies.
Description
Conference Paper
Keywords
Community , Citizens Engagement , Empowerment
Citation
Eneanya, A.N (2015) Citizen Engagement in Building Marginalized Communities: a Comparative Analysis of Los Angeles and Philadelphia Experiences. Conference of Minority Public Administrators. 2015 National Conference.