What is it worth to know what works and what doesn't, what's loved and what's hated, in a town or city? In an era of scarce resources, what value is there in citizens becoming co-operators in the development of their futures?
Quite a lot, I'd have thought. Not just because the provision of citizens' time and opinions can help prevent mistakes being made and identify priorities, but also because their active involvement in the creation of place can help motivate and inspire them, and lead them to exercise more control and choice over their futures.
But many - even those with professional qualifications and skills - don't see their opinions as valuable. They don't see how they could make a difference, so put themselves in the position of being done to rather than being doers, and of doing to others rather than seeing other people's imagination and talents as assets.
This week we kicked off the new phase of Bradford's
Regeneration Academy with an introduction to
placemaking. As part of that workshop we encouraged 130 council officers - from senior managers to junior admin staff
... read more >>