What is a characteristic of a people-centered approach in community planning?

A people-centered approach in community planning is characterized by the involvement of community members. This approach prioritizes the voices, needs, and perspectives of the community itself, ensuring that planning and decision-making processes reflect the values and aspirations of those who will be directly impacted by the outcomes.

When community members are actively engaged in the planning process, they bring their unique insights, experiences, and knowledge about their own community, which can lead to more relevant and effective solutions. This collaborative effort fosters a sense of ownership among the participants, empowering them to take active roles in shaping their environment and addressing their challenges.

In contrast, approaches that focus on external intervention or rely solely on academic theories may overlook the community's specific context and needs, which can result in solutions that are not truly applicable or beneficial. Additionally, an emphasis on hierarchical systems can lead to top-down decision-making, where community input is either minimal or ignored, further distancing developers and planners from the realities faced by community members.