A case study of Turkey’s volunteer citizen councils as a local participation approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT Local participation in public decision-making can be supported by representational participation mechanisms such as voting but also by direct participation mechanisms such as public hearings, open space discourse, consensus conferences, and citizen councils. In this case study, we examine problems related to voluntary citizen councils (VCCs) which may serve as an important participation mechanism at local government levels. We review reasons for problems by applying a key problem and potential solutions framework, discussing whether they arise from the effectiveness of the participation mechanism or other problems specific to our case, the municipalities in the country of Turkey. This case identifies a few concerns: the low turnout in VCCs, the lack of financial resources, the lack of autonomy and power at decision-making levels, the exclusive nature of VCCs, and the partisan nature of the VCCs.