CIAC Apathy Observations3

‘Government officials sometimes hold well-advertised public meetings and send out broad mailings on an important policy issue but then receive little response. Later, they may hear people complain that the officials provided no opportunity for CI. The officials are likely to reply, with justifiable indignation, "We tried, but nobody showed up!"’

Officials sometimes blame "apathy" for the failures of a CI program when the real cause is inadequate funding or management of the program.

"Its true that many citizens regard planning as a dull topic. They may not see how an abstract planning policy or issue could affect them. They therefore have little interest in attending a hearing, serving on a committee, or otherwise getting involved — until they hear a bulldozer start to work in the vacant lot next door. By then, it may be too late to get involved."

CIAC Suggestions³

"Maintain an effective CI program, one that communicates issues and information clearly to all interested persons and groups. Develop educational programs and workshops to inform citizens about policies and issues. Encourage citizens to get into the planning process early."

Citizens will not participate in the planning process if they lack access to it."

More Information. Would you like to learn more? Contact a member of the Hugo Land Use Committee.

Disclaimer. This brochure is as much about providing information and provoking questions as it is about opinions concerning the adequacy of findings of fact and land use decisions. It does not provide recommendations to citizens and it is not legal advice. It does not take the place of a lawyer. If citizens use information contained in this paper, it is their personal responsibility to make sure that the facts and general information contained in it are applicable to their situation.