Two institutional features make local economic redevelopment a top-down policy arena. First, fiscal constraints keep localities heavily dependent on central policy directions and initiatives. Second, local policy-making norms in other areas are used in urban revitalization. These actions require knowledge of the policy process and expertise in extracting benefits from higher levels of government. Career bureaucrats are best suited to these activities, so they tend to dominate the process.
Citizens participate in two ways.
First, citizens sit on advisory committees that recommend areas for redevelopment. These committees are highly publicized and produce reports with catchy titles and colorful illustrations. However, their reports usually contain obvious suggestions that have little effect on governmental behavior. Second, when citizen groups do get involved in urban revitalization, their actions center on grassroots projects that boost community morale but do not change local socioeconomic conditions.