Publication Date

Spring 2025

Degree Type

Master's Project

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Department

Urban and Regional Planning

First Advisor

Laureen Hom

Keywords

Equity, Community Engagement, Public Budgeting, Immigrant Communities

Abstract

Through this research, I will examine what citizen participation strategies have been implemented and their role and effectiveness in addressing wealth inequities. My research will explore these topics and examine what programs and policies the City of Morgan Hill can implement to increase residents' sense of belonging and ultimately push for greater social equity. My primary research question is, what are the programs and policies that the City of Morgan Hill can implement to engage immigrant communities, specifically Spanish-speaking residents, and low-income residents in shaping decisions around public investments and funding? This project will serve as a needs assessment to better understand the actions that Morgan Hill could take to better engage its immigrant and low-income residents, critical communities in the city, in its public budgeting process. Specifically, I will examine the social and political considerations that may act as facilitators or barriers to implementing these programs and policies. In addition, I will use a comparative lens to examine what strategies other regional municipalities, such as Redwood City, Mountain View and San Jose, have put into practice to increase community engagement related to the distribution of public funds. By exploring the strategies and related challenges and opportunities of regional local governments, I will better understand the possibilities in Morgan Hill.

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