Contents

Improvement in Solving Community
Problems

The Need for Common Ground
Improving Existing Procedures
New Self-help Procedures

A Self-help Plan That Works
Where to Start
Thirteen Steps

1. Organize the Study Course
2. Plan the Succeeding Steps

3. Make Basic Assumptions About
the Future of the Community

4. Select the Priorities Committee
5. Hold the First City-wide Meeting
6. Identify Areas to be Studied
7. Select Qualified Persons to Help
Analyze Problems

8. Standardize the Procedure for Ana-
lyzing Each Problem

9. Organize the Citizen Participation Process

10. Prepare the Report of the Priorities Committee

11. Hold the Second City-wide Meeting 12. Complete the Program of Work 13. Give Leadership for Continuing Problem-solving Action

There has been progress in community de velopment. But much remains to be done. Procedures used to date have been inadequate. Wider public understanding must be created. More effective action must be taken.

"Basic Decisions..." suggests new kinds of constructive action. Emphasis is placed on local self-help. Techniques are suggested for simplifying some of the steps in comprehensive planning. Completely new problem-solv ing processes are proposed.

The future of urban areas in the United States will be determined by the quality of thinking which goes into urban planning "Basic Decisions in Community Develop ment" can help put the thinking on the right track.