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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons

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Western University

MPA Major Research Papers

2014

Participation

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Citizen Engagement In Budget Planning In Ontario Municipalities, Melihate Limani Aug 2014

Citizen Engagement In Budget Planning In Ontario Municipalities, Melihate Limani

MPA Major Research Papers

This paper examines the opportunities and barriers for the further development of citizen engagement in the budgeting process within Ontario municipalities. Primary data was collected through a comprehensive survey provided to 444 municipalities in order to identify the current practices and challenges faced, while secondary data was collected through research assessing two Ontario municipalities that have implemented participatory budgeting – Hamilton and Guelph. The findings reveal that the barriers to citizen engagement in Ontario municipalities are not unique and they relate to major challenges that are linked to finding new ways to increase citizen interest and knowledge about budgeting and …


Public Engagement Trends In Southwestern Ontario’S Municipalities, Marcy Puzanov Jul 2014

Public Engagement Trends In Southwestern Ontario’S Municipalities, Marcy Puzanov

MPA Major Research Papers

This paper explores what topics municipalities are utilizing public engagement for the most and the reasons behind those decisions, as well as the tools that municipalities are using most frequently to engage the public and the associated rationales behind those decisions. The research data was collected using an online questionnaire that was sent to various municipalities in Southwestern Ontario. The findings reveal that the respondent municipalities are engaging in public engagement to some extent, particularly with provincially legislated topics. Furthermore, traditional tools of engagement, such as public meetings, are favoured over innovative tools, and the benefits associated with local problem …