Involving the folk: a dialogue between community leaders and local government officials on citizen participation in East Athens, Georgia

The profession and practice of planning have the power to influence economic, social, and political landscapes of communities, neighborhoods, cities, and regions. Because of this, citizens that are living in neighborhoods of income disparity, citizens that are politically disenfranchised, and minorities should hold a place of participation within the political process of planning. This thesis examines the neighborhood of East Athens, Georgia, a historically African-American neighborhood with low levels of citizen participation in the planning process. Through interviews with neighborhood leaders and government officials, I explore the issues that facilitate low resident participation: participation solicitation methods, top-heavy local government, low levels of trust, and rampant poverty.