Restoring Trust in Government: The Potential of Digital Citizen Participation

Three case studies illustrate how government organizations are now using technology to enhance citizen participation. The report addresses a fundamental challenge of government in the digital age: How can individuals engage in a two-way dialogue on...

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By

Richard Schwester

Senior Research Associate

Cener for Public Productivity Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Newark Graduate Department of Public schwes@pegasus.rutgers.edu

Seung-Yong Rho

Senior Research Associate

National Center for Public Productivity Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark Graduate Department of Public Administration syrho@pegases.rutgers.edu

Marc Holzer

James Melitski

Three case studies illustrate how government organizations are now using technology to enhance citizen participation. The report addresses a fundamental challenge of government in the digital age: How can individuals engage in a two-way dialogue on public issues without relying on interest groups or other intermediaries? Technology has created new tools for allowing citizens to more meaningfully participate in a dialogue with their fellow citizens and their government. In an increasing number of cases, these tools have been successfully employed and are improving the quality of public decisions. This report describes three of those efforts and offers lessons to policy makers and government executives on ways they can increase the voice of citizens in the decision-making process. epa, environmental protection, regulations.gov, uk, united kingdom Technology and E-Government

HolzerReport