Sherry Arnstein

Sherry Arnstein was an influential American planner and educator, best known for her 1969 article “A Ladder of Citizen Participation.” In this work, she described different levels of public involvement in decision-making processes, ranging from manipulation to full citizen control. Arnstein’s "ladder" illustrates how participation can vary, with higher rungs representing more meaningful engagement and influence, while lower rungs signify tokenism or lack of real power. Her framework has helped shape discussions about democratic participation, community engagement, and urban planning, emphasizing the importance of empowering citizens in governance and planning initiatives.