Experimental Participatory Methods For Urban Professionals

Tools and Strategies for Inclusive and Deliberative Participation

What you'll learn

Arrive to an understanding of deliberative democracy and participation

Get an overview of innovative deliberative democracy and participatory practices in Europe

Understand the different dimensions of deliberative instruments/tools (e.g. administrative level, level of participation, transferability, etc.)

Understand the contemporary challenges of participation in Europe

Requirements

No prior experience is needed. Working in urbanism or related fields is an advantage.

Description

The Experimental Participatory Methods for Urban Professionals course equips participants with innovative tools and strategies to design and implement inclusive, deliberative democratic processes in urban settings. Developed and delivered by Eutropian colleagues, Lukács Hayes, Daniela Patti, Levente Polyák and Giovanni Pagano, the course explores theoretical foundations and practical applications of participatory democracy, focusing on empowering citizens and building meaningful engagement.Key challenges, such as engaging marginalized groups and meaningfully delegating decision-making power, are addressed through case studies and best practices, including methods like sortition for representative inclusion and co-design approaches for shared governance. Case examples, such as the Vienna Youth Strategy, the UK Climate Assembly, the Quarter Bene Comune and the Brussels Mixed Parliamentary Committees showcase successful tools for inclusive deliberation, targeted outreach, and the integration of citizens' voices into policy-making.The course also complements the Toolbox of Experimental Participatory Methods, a resource designed to help professionals navigate practical solutions for building equitable participation processes. By combining theory, real-world examples, and interactive guidance, the course equips urban professionals to implement participatory initiatives that are inclusive, effective, and capable of driving positive change in their communities. Ultimately, the course provides practitioners with the tools and insights needed to make urban decision-making more transparent, participatory and citizen-centered.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Introduction

Section 2: Deliberative democracy and participation

Lecture 2 Understanding deliberative democracy and participation

Section 3: Participation beyond the usual suspects

Lecture 3 Participation Beyond the Usual Suspects

Lecture 4 Case: Vienna Youth Strategy

Lecture 5 Case: UK Climate Assembly

Section 4: The Extent of the Delegation of Power

Lecture 6 The Extent of the Delegation of Power

Lecture 7 Case: Quartiere Bene Comune

Lecture 8 Case: Brussels Mixed Parliamentary Committees

Section 5: Course Conclusion

Lecture 9 Conclusion

Section 6: Participatory Toolbox Website

Lecture 10 Participatory Toolbox Website

Urban professional, academics, students, local administrators or consultants working (or planning to work) in the field of citizen participation.