Participatory planning engages citizens to affect change. Development of comprehensive plans and citizen input, participatory community and organizational planning, and organizational development have been provided in a number of communities.

- The City of Herculaneum (pop. 2,000), noted for its serious environmental and health problems from a lead smelter that has operated in the town for over 100 years, formally adopted the master plan, which was developed with facilitation by extension. A year after adoption, one resident noted, “We have an opportunity to do great things now in Herculaneum, because we have a plan and a vision for the future, instead of just anguish, pain and despair.” As a result of work by MU Extension in facilitating a comprehensive planning process in Herculaneum finished in 2006, the city has leveraged over $8.125 million dollars towards implementing projects in its plan.

- Work during the past year with Sunrise Beach led to the development of an adopted plan, application of a grant for tornado warning siren, and attributed savings of $100,000 for the community.

- Similar work has occurred in Jackson, Johnson, Perry, and Jefferson Counties. Jefferson County adopted an updated plan for its parks while the City of Berkeley’s Council (in St. Louis County) has a viable strategy to inform the council and city staff.

Source: University of Missouri Extension