ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the value of a participatory approach to sustainable neighborhood revitalization. It defines participation and discusses why many scholars and planners say it should be a component of sustainable development efforts. A review of the literature shows that citizens' participation can be a valuable tool to change the future of the nation's neighborhoods by not only revitalizing them, but also sustaining that revitalization. The chapter outlines some of the more common tools to facilitate participation and examples of participation efforts in various cities across the country. It also includes an important discussion of the limits and challenges of participation, as well as some suggestions to overcome those challenges. One of the most prominent and long-used tools to facilitate community participation is Community Development Corporations (CDCs). CDCs work to bring about social change in a neighborhood by changing the ethnic composition of the residents; and changing the attitudes of individual residents already there.
