ABSTRACT
A key take-away for planners and policy analysts, then, is to practice discernment, and examine the root causes of suspicion and dissatisfaction. We thus need to unpack the impacts of populism on our own unique work contexts. This chapter outlines three recent trends impacting the political decision-making environment, or political factors which again suggest a need for new public service responses: the rise of populism; growing lack of trust in public officials; and ongoing questions about the future of globalization. When our planning and policy work requires public input, we must understand time and lifestyle barriers, which may have the potential to impact engagement, and overall public service satisfaction levels. The chapter highlights four relatively recent trends, potentially impacting public experiences and carrying implications for how we might better serve and connect with the public. The four relatively recent trends are: economic challenges; social isolation and loneliness; time and lifestyle pressures; plus, the risks of problematic technology use.
