A case study of the process of involving citizen volunteers in the revitalization of a mid-sized American city using an adaptation of a program planning and evaluation framewor

Growing emphasis on the revitalization of cities in the United States offers potential for involving citizens in the planning process. As such, applied psychologists, who have been trained in program planning and evaluation methods, and who are interested in assuming leadership positions in city revitalization projects, may be able to use their knowledge, skills and abilities to be of assistance in developing city revitalization plans. Also, they may be helpful with fostering citizen involvement in the venture. Currently, there have been few investigations reported that describe how applied psychologists can take the lead in implementing planning approaches that may be useful for citizen volunteers interested in city revitalization. Within this contemporary context, this dissertation provides information concerning a planning process developed and implemented for use with citizen volunteers, assisted by the author of this dissertation, in a mid-sized American city, population 62,000. As a result of the planning process, that was the focus of this dissertation, a Clarification Report containing information about community strengths and limitations, as well as recommendations for city revitalization, was produced by this citizen volunteer group. The Clarification Report was submitted to the Citywide Steering Committee in accord with, and meeting, their expectations. This dissertation was organized as a case study and included the answers to a series of questions related to the citizen volunteers, the planning process, and city revitalization efforts. This dissertation concludes with recommendations about the use of program planning and evaluation in city revitalization projects using citizens and involving applied psychologists.