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Setting an Agenda for Local Action
Author(s) -
Silver Diana,
Weitzman Beth,
Brecher Charles
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
policy studies journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1541-0072
pISSN - 0190-292X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1541-0072.2002.tb02152.x
Subject(s) - public relations , political science , action (physics) , government (linguistics) , public administration , foundation (evidence) , local government , power (physics) , community engagement , linguistics , philosophy , physics , quantum mechanics , law
Many social programs, funded by government or philanthropy, begin with efforts to improve local conditions with strategic planning. Mandated by funders, these processes aim to include the views of community residents and those with technical expertise. Program leaders are left to reconcile public and expert opinions in determining how to shape their programs. The experience of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Urban Health Initiative suggests that although consultation with experts and the public failed to reveal a clear assessment of the community's problems or their solutions, it did assist in engaging diverse groups. Despite this engagement, however, core leaders wielded substantial power in selecting the agenda.