The issues facing America's cities, counties and sub-state regions today are too highly complex. Successful communities, consequently, will be those that focus on governance rather than government. That is, ways in which business, government, community groups and citizens can work together to help a community reach its collective goals and meet its common challenges. For these players to willingly take a seat at the table with each other, and then stay there, a collaborative approach to community problem solving must be adopted. Collaboration is a process that brings together organizations, agencies and individuals in a sustained effort to work together to define problems, create options, develop strategies, and implement chosen solutions.
Effective collaboration requires that decisions be made by consensus.
This is because citizens want their ideas and opinions to be heard and to be seriously considered. Sharing of information and resources results in better decisions, and community stakeholders are not inclined to block implementation of the plan, since it reflects their own interest and efforts. While collaborative problem solving is not appropriate for every issue and situation it is an absolute necessity under certain circumstances. The need for government, business, and nonprofits to come together with citizens creates the need for inclusive and collaborative community problem solving processes. While there are plenty of spaces to fight, blame, and take sides, this space must allow people to focus on deliberating and consensus building.