Citizen advisory boards and their influence on local decision-makers

Abstract

Fourteen citizen advisory boards (CABs) in one Nevada community were assessed over a three-year period to determine their efficacy at influencing local decision-makers. Efficacy was measured regarding actual influence over decisions as well as perception of effectiveness among advisory board members. Using a mixed methods approach that included board member surveys, analyzing meeting minutes and interviews with staff planners; results indicate CABs are highly effective at influencing local decision-makers. However, factors that influence local decision-makers are more aligned with the reasonableness and scope of the CAB comments, rather than issues of low controversy or neighborhood level concerns as past research has indicated.

Keywords:

• citizen advisory boards
• decision-makers
• influence
• local government