Science, Sustainability, and Social Engagement

Development of sustainable communities requires a commitment to long-term public engagement on the part of all stakeholders.  The injection of science and scientists in the community planning process poses special challenges in public engagement and public participation in development planning and management, especially as trust and credibility in scientists has become eroded in the last decade.  Stakeholder satisfaction with the relationships reflected in community planning and development can and should be measured and monitored both for the kinds of relationships they represent as well as the specific components of trust and satisfaction.