Incorporating Resident Engagement into Decision-Making Processes

To enhance our democratic institutions, it’s imperative that we create an environment that fosters strength and productivity, particularly at the local level. This is achieved by establishing mechanisms that ensure that within all levels of government work everything is carried out in the best interest of the community. This involves keeping residents well-informed and actively engaging them in decision-making processes.

The term “resident” holds a broader significance than initially perceived. While not everyone in our society is recognized as a citizen, all individuals living within a country, regardless of their citizenship status, are considered residents. Therefore, the term “resident” encompasses and includes everyone.

Residents should be aware of their rights and responsibilities, including the right to participate in decision-making and the obligation to do so. To facilitate this, residents should be well-informed to actively contribute to the formulation of recommended policies. Engaging residents, especially at the local level, ensures accountability for their elected representatives and extends to public services and central government operations.

At the local council level, the term “resident” signifies the connection between the Local Council and its residents. Residents possess both rights and responsibilities, including the right to participate in decision-making and the duty to do so. This combination underpins local democracy, a fundamental pillar of our communities’ well-being and development.

The Local Council plays a pivotal role in this social mechanism. When effectively managed, it directly enhances residents’ quality of life. This synergy indirectly benefits local socio-economic development, creating a two-fold impact across the nation.

When resident participation is lacking, it results in a democratic deficit within society and the community. It not only impacts social aspects but also hampers collective development, potentially leading to challenges in delivering effective public services for local and central governments.

Individuals are the driving force behind this mechanism. While the Local Council is responsible for establishing systems and platforms that provide residents with access and opportunities for participation, residents must also utilize these opportunities wisely, offering suggestions that lead to the acceptance and smooth implementation of decisions.

Civil society also plays a significant role as various issues addressed by civil society directly affect their communities. It is crucial for them to advocate for residents’ views, particularly on matters such as transportation, social housing, subsidies, public spaces, the environment, and more.

Democracy implementation

Implementing such a mechanism is advantageous for democracy as it fosters transparent, inclusive, legitimate, and accountable political landscapes. Since the public plays a central role in decision-making, such mechanism cultivates increased trust in local and central government and the associated institutions.

This heightened resident participation is beneficial when implementing new strategies, policies, or initiatives as residents feel a sense of ownership over the decision-making process. The inclusivity of ideas from various sections of society leads to more equitable policies and decisions, ensuring no one is excluded and every voice is considered.

When these practices are in place, the implementation of decisions becomes more accessible and allows for constructive feedback and opposition from various individuals or groups in society. This simplifies the transitional phases of implementation.

Structured Consultation Process

When initiating the consultation process, specific practices should be followed to ensure its effectiveness:

Clearly define the problem and reasons for change, indicating whether legislation is necessary to enhance the quality of life.
Establish a clear vision of the expected results while highlighting the tangible impacts of the decision.
Identify key groups that will be involved in the process.
Choose an accessible method for consultation, especially in today’s digital age.
Ensure that digital methods are equally accessible to all.
Maintain ongoing communication, updating stakeholders on the progress and outcomes.
Continuously monitor the consultation process, ensuring transparency.
Explain the rationale behind the decision-making process, promoting discussion and feedback, which, in turn, facilitates implementation.

All of these elements are vital, and as councillors and local councils, embracing the concept of active democracy is crucial to empower residents and involve them in the decision-making process. It is essential to provide the best platforms for residents to participate effectively.

At the local government level, promoting resident involvement in local politics is imperative. By reestablishing residents’ trust in local politics, residents are more likely to participate thus leading to lasting engagement and empowerment.

I strongly believe that if we don’t conduct this test of awareness, the public will continue to lose interest in Local Government, something that, once lost, may never be regained.

Mario Fava
President