Overview

In 2006, when Date City merged with Otakimura, deciding on the new city’s name became a problem. Because of this catalyst, a strong awareness developed of the necessity of gathering a broad spectrum of views from citizens when important city measures were to be decided; that awareness became a catalyst for the enactment of this ordinance. The ordinance, which went into effect in 2007, institutionalizes the idea that when the city is determining important measures, it will listen to citizens’ opinions, and reflect those opinions.

The objectives of the ordinance are: citizen participation in public activities; the sharing of information between citizens and city hall; and citizens and officials thinking together and mutually expressing opinions, so as to help improve city planning. Date City is also working on the creation and operation of specific institutions, such as a registration system with city planning human resource agencies, the “Date no Machi” beautification support project to provide with better environment for citizens to participate in public activities.

Points about the partnership

In a city with a history stretching back to the Sendai-han (Sendai domain), with citizens who take pride in their city and are dedicated to local development, there was an atmosphere conducive to achieving resident participation by citizens.

Category

Based on efforts at ‘co-action’ (cooperative action) by diverse actors

Theme

Sustainable regional development

Actors

Date City (Hokkaido)