Why City and County Governments Should Include the Voices of Those With Lived Experience

City and county governments play a crucial role in shaping the communities they serve. They are responsible for creating and implementing policies and programs that impact the lives of their residents. In order to create policies and programs that are effective and responsive to the needs of the community, it is essential that they include the voices of those with lived experience. In this article, we will explore the reasons why city and county governments should include the voices of those with lived experience in their decision-making processes.

Firstly, including the voices of those with lived experience can bring a more nuanced and accurate understanding of the challenges and experiences of those impacted by the policies and programs being considered. For example, if a city is considering a policy related to affordable housing, including the voices of those who have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity can help policymakers understand the barriers that prevent people from accessing housing and the impact that homelessness or housing insecurity has on their lives.

Secondly, including the voices of those with lived experience can increase the legitimacy and credibility of policies and programs. When those impacted by policies and programs are included in the decision-making process, they are more likely to view those policies and programs as legitimate and credible. This can increase the buy-in from the community and improve the implementation and effectiveness of the policies and programs.

Thirdly, including the voices of those with lived experience can help identify unintended consequences of policies and programs. Sometimes, policies and programs can have unintended consequences that negatively impact the community they are intended to serve. By including the voices of those with lived experience, policymakers can better identify potential unintended consequences and develop strategies to mitigate them.

Fourthly, including the voices of those with lived experience can help build trust and strengthen relationships between government and the community. When people feel that their voices are being heard and that their experiences are being taken into account, they are more likely to trust government and feel invested in the decisions being made.

Finally, including the voices of those with lived experience can lead to more innovative and effective policies and programs. Those with lived experience often have unique insights and perspectives that can lead to innovative and effective solutions to complex problems.

In conclusion, including the voices of those with lived experience in decision-making processes is essential for city and county governments to create policies and programs that are effective, legitimate, and responsive to the needs of their communities. By doing so, they can better understand the challenges faced by those impacted by their decisions, identify unintended consequences, build trust, and develop innovative and effective solutions to complex problems.