Assessing Citizens’ Demands for Improving the Urban Environment

Abstract

The main purpose of the research is to provide a better basis for programs seeking to promote responsible citizen participation in urban development plans and projects. The research is based on a survey of 400 citizens in Anzali, a city with a population of approximately 116,000. In the spring of 2014, data collection was carried out in seven streets functioning as geographical clusters. Survey respondents were selected using convenience sampling. This study is an applied and descriptive survey research. However, the researchers are not satisfied with mere expression of the opinions, demands and suggestions of citizens. They go further to interpret the data and explain and justify them. In order to do that, they provide a convincing argument through searching among the literature and theoretical discussions and make conclusions. The research reveals that if users are properly consulted about municipal decisions, plans and activities, they can make specific and meaningful suggestions for improving the quality of the spaces. On the other hand, the status quo must be changed in order to provide opportunities for place management. In this regard, people should be trained to nurture a sense of responsibility towards the place so that they can become managers of the place.