“A Hundred Flowers Blossoming:” Citizen Advisory Boards and Local Administrators

Abstract

Citizen advisory commissions are increasing rapidly. This study examines the incidence, functions, and origins of these commissions in five suburban communities. Two questions are raised: First, are the commissions compatible with local governments’ efforts to increase their efficiency? The answer is generally yes, although local governments have often taken steps to impose more administrative order on the process. Second, do they help administrative agencies to be more responsive to the community? It appears that the advisory process makes officials more responsive to the middle class, but not to lower income groups.