Opportunities and Challenges of Public Participation in Post-Disaster Recovery Planning: Lessons from Galveston, TX

Abstract

While public participation can improve recovery planning, post-disaster environments pose unique challenges and opportunities that can enhance or undermine participation depending on the recovery policies and features of the planning process. This paper presents findings of archival research and in-depth interviews in a qualitative case study of Galveston (Texas) following Hurricane Ike to examine the challenges and successes of participatory recovery planning in Galveston and the factors that shape these outcomes. Seizing heightened participation momentum after a disaster by engaging residents in a transparent process provides optimism and an opportunity for recovery champions to gain support for their ideas. However, planning while unprepared, homogeneity of participants, and skipping deliberation may limit voices of the marginalized residents in decisions and undermine implementation of the proposals. Under-represented socially vulnerable groups should be included in all stages of recovery planning through deliberate outreach strategies tailored to their circumstances. Supported by professional planners and technical experts, involved stakeholders should engage in deliberation rather than mere input solicitation to increase the effectiveness of post-disaster participatory planning.

Policy-level consideration on marginalised communities in the post-disaster context: A desk study

“…Without actively engaging marginalised communities through deliberate policies, physical displacement and a history of distrust can significantly limit the voices of the marginalised (Hamideh, 2020). Therefore, it is important to have an overview of the existing global and national policies/frameworks that govern post-disaster processes, how these takes into consideration challenges of marginalised communities, and how these may be leveraged to promote inclusiveness during the post-disaster phase.…”

After the vote: climate policy decision-making in the administrative state

“…In contrast, historically disenfranchised groups (Black, Latino, tribal, immigrant, and low-income communities) are more vulnerable to climate impacts (Chakraborty et al, 2019;Rappold et al, 2017;Wilson & Chakraborty, 2019) and more impacted by climate mitigation and adaptation policies (Anderson et al, 2018;Carley & Konisky, 2020)--yet also less likely to participate in procedural processes (Baker et al, 2005;Checkoway, 1981). Extreme weather and disasters caused by climate change can exacerbate existing barriers to participation, further eroding the ability of affected communities to participate in bureaucratic processes (Hamideh, 2020).…”

Realizing the Community Participation of Batik Craftsmen in Sustainable Development in Tampo Village, Banyuwangi Regency

“…This condition causes the profile of rural areas to change and there is a shift in the roles and culture that the local village community has held. Supported by the modernization and reform of the public sector in a country, it is, therefore, necessary to have strength in building planned and structured public participation [11].…”