Abstract

This case study explores the development of new ‘visioning’ boards’ in a Swedish municipality (kommun). The visioning boards initiative has two key dimensions. Firstly, the boards constitute a systemic change in the political and managerial frameworks, and are designed to increase the clarity and effectiveness of internal political and administrative tasks, roles and processes. Secondly, the boards are a platform for increasing the amount of community engagement within the kommun, and a device for gaining a vision that better reflects inhabitants’ needs and priorities. Whilst the boards are designed to inform better efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery and infrastructure provision, the overriding rationale is one of strengthening local democracy and decreasing a disconnect between citizens and their kommun. The case interrogates what the visioning boards mean for the ideals of good decision making, sustainable government, and a strong community, and the study demonstrates the importance of assessing and acting-on shortfalls in political and managerial structures and processes and organisational culture prior to the introduction of major community engagement initiatives - rather than the other way around.