Time Schedule:
Stephen B. Page
PB AF 567
Seattle Campus
Investigates interactions between citizen participation and efforts to measure and improve policy and program performance in large cities. Develops analytic frameworks and practical strategies for sustaining and enhancing participation and performance.
Class description
This course examines the ways in which communities and governments in big cities in the US and abroad work -- or fail to work -- together to address complex public problems, such as education, services for children and families, transportation and land use, community and economic development, and public safety. We define "communities" broadly to include neighborhoods, ethnicities, business groups, and labor organizations. Drawing on theories of leadership, power, institutions, and collective action, the course compares the values, behaviors, and interactions of government, community organizations, and businesses. These values, behaviors, and interactions suggest tools and skills that government and community leaders can use to build the joint efficacy and cross-sector collaboration needed to devise and implement solutions to wicked problems of urban policy. Class assignments will investigate and propose new ways for government and communities to work together to address particular urban policy dilemmas. The course fulfills the "values restricted elective" requirement in the Evans School's MPA curriculum.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Teaching cases, written assignments, classroom discussion.
Recommended preparation
PbAf 511 and 512 are recommended but not essential.
Class assignments and grading
