Their power was never absolute, but by the 1970s it had begun to erode significantly, as power became diffused through many groups within the coalitions and alliances. A new style of participatory planning and decision making led to more open procedures for development plans and programs. Public meetings and forums, public hearings and community review procedures became common. When the 1991 City Center Master Plan was developed by ONB and the City, there were dozens of planning meetings where experts in transportation, housing, real estate development, etc. were brought into public forums to help interested citizens formulate their ideas for the future of the City Center. Access to the planning process is now open to all interested citizens.
Leaders emerge and become recognized as a result of their interest, commitment, and abilities.
Many leaders become identified with a particular aspect of the City Center. For instance, some leaders have a passion for the arts and others are interested in transportation. In the late 80's, an ONB task force introduced loft apartments to Birmingham which led to several hundred loft apartments and condominiums developed in the City Center in the 90's. All of these task forces require leadership, but it is decentralized and focused on areas of interest and knowledge. Operation New Birmingham has a large Community Board which brings together leaders from the many groups and organizations with an interest in the future of the City Center and racial harmony.