Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation

Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation is a model that illustrates levels of public involvement in decision-making. It ranges from non-participation (where citizens have no influence) to full partnership (where citizens share power equally with authorities). The ladder includes steps like informing, consulting, and involving citizens, progressing toward delegated power and citizen control. This helps organizations understand how genuinely they are engaging the public—whether they are simply informing or actively empowering citizens to influence outcomes. It emphasizes that true participation involves sharing decision-making authority, fostering transparency and community empowerment.