Your urban planning team is facing power dynamics. How can you ensure equitable decision-making?

Encourage team members to share their diverse perspectives and actively participate in discussions. Make your decision-making process transparent so everyone understands how decisions are made. Implement checks and balances to prevent any one group from dominating the conversation. Finally, offer training on collaboration and conflict resolution to help your team work together more effectively.

Evaluate the bias source and reasons Carry out a stakeholders' analysis Clearly define roles and responsibilities, including reporting structure Communicate hierarchical structure to team members Conduct a workshop/seminar/training as may be required to demonstrate reporting format and structure Monitor and assess impact of resolution approach

Para entender los prejuicios o sesgos que tenemos me parece importante contar con un equipo diverso. Profesionales de varios backgrounds y con carreras variadas nos van a ayudar a pensar de forma más amplia y poder reconocer este problema. Es importante gestionar bien la confianza del equipo para dar sus opiniones. Una vez reconocidos trabajar en tenerlos presentes en las tomas de decisiones.

As an experienced urban planner and researcher, I have found that embracing technological tools and interdisciplinary approaches is essential in managing power dynamics. In my work at UDESC and LABGEO, we employ advanced simulations and data analysis to predict and mitigate the environmental impacts of urbanization. This data-driven approach not only enhances the accuracy of our planning but also democratizes decision-making by providing transparent, evidence-based insights that can be shared and scrutinized by all stakeholders. By leveraging these technologies, we can facilitate more equitable and sustainable urban development.

Urban planning is more than just designing cities. A good urban planning practice is recognizing that not all development plans will happen because there is power dynamics happening from all stakeholders protecting their own biases. A good urban planner is able to recognize the power dynamics of each stakeholder and balance them to find a common ground that is acceptable to all - whether it is a policy, design, or innovation.

Es importante contar con un proceso claro y trasparente de información pública para garantizar que el proceso vaya hacia adelante. Actualmente cualquier interesado se puede volver crítico debido a la fuerza de las redes sociales y las comunidades, por lo tanto es importante tenerlo en cuenta para el éxito del proceso.

Another strategy would be a Focused Group Discussion with Community members. These kind of discussions tend to produce hidden knowledge and ideas only known to the Community. This piece of information is greatly helpful in planning.

Especialmente cuando el tiempo es limitado y hay que saber en que invertirlo. Haciendo este ejercicio se convierte en una tarea un poco más fácil y efectiva. Es importante no perder de vista el poder informal de las personas y de sus relaciones. Interesados que aparentemente no tiene poder formal puede ser muy importantes por su capacidad de influencia en otros interesados.

Part of recognizing the power dynamics in the study area is visualizing the keys and variables in the environment of power dynamics - this is mostly the stakeholders, the interests they protect, the outcome they avoid, and the enabling mechanism they accept. In developing countries, this exercise is not much practiced due to cultural and habitual connotations. However, when introduced properly, this will further enrich the discussions between the stakeholders, clearly set the boundaries, and articulate specific policies that is considered effective for all stakeholders.

Urbanismo participativo requer metodologias de gestão das energias e vontades das comunidades.Saber mapear, avaliar seus recursos e escolher, requer um bom quadro de diagnóstico, de decisões e caminhos a escolher.

Administrations often lack the technological capacity to provide a definitive solution to a problem. The nature of conflicts presents a wide variety of solutions, which makes it difficult to find a single absolutely right or wrong answer. In this sense, solutions cannot be universal or applied indiscriminately, as they depend on social demand. At this point, a government may prioritise one aspect or another, which shows that decisions are the result of considerations, compromises and negotiations between stakeholders. Indeed, decisions are considered good or bad, depending on how they fit into political cycles. Spatial planning is not exact; it involves a continuous and adaptive process that allows for adjustments based on lessons learned.

Es complicado gestionar los KPI's adecuados, creo que se debe de trabajar con el equipo mucho en pensar en qué vamos a medir y porqué. De tal forma que se alinee con los objetivos del proyecto.

1. Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement: - Identify and actively engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, including marginalized communities, underrepresented groups, and those who may be disproportionately affected by the decisions. 2. Transparent Decision-making Process: - Establish clear and transparent decision-making protocols that are known to all stakeholders. - Encourage and facilitate collective decision-making, where input and feedback from all stakeholders are considered. 3. Capacity Building and Empowerment: - Provide training and support to empower marginalized stakeholders to effectively participate in the decision-making process.