This doctoral research study investigated the community capacity-building benefits of participatory community design and planning (PCDP) and used the results to propose a set of general and reliable indicators of community capacity.  The PCDP process is thought to enhance the community’s capacity to effectively manage change and plan for the future.  This type of community capacity building depends on active and informed citizens who are skilled at and participate in decision-making processes and on community leaders who are practiced and comfortable with such shared decision-making.

The study examined twenty (20) general indicators of community capacity that may be applied across a range of different communities.  For the purpose of this study, these indicators were used to measure the levels of community capacity before, during, and after a PCDP project conducted in three case study locations. 

The results of this study indicate that significant increases in community capacity became evident in the late stages of participatory design and planning.  The most significant measures of success included (a) an awareness of local recent changes, (b) a sense of connection to local places, (c) valuing and promoting quality of life, (d) valuing the preservation/protection of local environmental quality, (e) overall concern for community issues, and (f) participation in government and environmental decision-making. 

For a more in depth discussion of this project, see Initiatives 2002 - 2003.