An Analysis on Public Involvement in Planning the Oregonian's Transportation Programs: Application of Deliberative Democracy

Abstract

This article focuses on increased public involvement in decision-making in the Oregonian's Transportation Plan from the standpoint of deliberative democracy. In Japan, raising issues on public involvement is the first stage wherein administrators attempt to seek public opinion. On the other hand, in Oregon State, OARs address citizen involvement in decision-making regarding land use. ODOT has worked for community enhancements and raised many issues on public involvement. We also consider another participation design in Metro. Region 2040 of Metro is the project on how one's own urban growth boundary can be effectively managed. In this case, Transportation Planning Public Involvement Policy adopted by the Metro Council includes the details of Region 2040 public involvement policy as the guidelines. These guidelines offer the goals and objectives for Metro's transportation plans. It appears to be based on the importance of deliberative democracy. In particular, in decision-making, we notice a model of deliberation that employs neighborhood councils, including Portland City, as the tools of collaborative governance. These systems used for enhancing the participation of the citizens as a regional governance body suggest the beneficial impact of the application of effective policy in public involvement guidelines in Japan.