Representation in Comprehensive Planning: An Analysis of the Austinplan Process

This article examines the representativeness of the process, known as Austinplan, by which the City of Austin involved over 1,000 citizens in preparing a new comprehensive plan. The participants were more affluent and better-educated than most Austin citizens; their views, however, were similar to those of the general public on problems, urban conditions, and values. On the other hand, significant differences occurred between these groups on some important public policy positions, perhaps resulting from knowledge gained from prior participation in civic affairs, or participation in Austinplan itself. Differences on policy between participants and the general public could lead to conflict about specific plans and strategies. This may be an instance of a classic issue: should representatives act as delegates of a citizenry less informed than they are about the subjects at hand, or should they act as trustees on behalf of the civic good as they perceive it to emerge from the process of deliberation?