How to evaluate network initiatives in urban planning - studying area based initiatives (Kvarterløft) in Denmark'

This article presents a theoretical and empirical contribution to the discussions of more inclusive and participatory modes of governing that are taking place in many western countries. It develops a critical evaluation framework for assessing the qualities and outcomes of citizens participating in collaborative planning processes. This is done by introducing the concepts of institutional capacity and empowerment that derives from different fields of literature, but that covers different perspectives when assessing citizen participation. Some of the central questions raised in the article are: What happens when citizens participate together? Does it produce consensus or conflicts? What are the outcome for the individual citizens and for the local community? What are the democratic effects? The empirical foundation for the article is a doctoral study of 49 citizens participating in a collaborative planning process in a urban environment in Denmark that focus on improving deprived urban neighbourhoods by mobilising networks.