9DF: A nine-dimensional framework for community engagement

Community engagement lies at the heart of participatory planning and development initiatives worldwide. It represents a concerted effort to involve local residents, stakeholders, and communities in decision-making processes that directly impact their lives. 

However, the landscape of community engagement is complex, fraught with challenges, power differentials, and contextual nuances that demand careful consideration. In this exploration, the authors delve into the core concepts of community engagement through the lens of a nine-dimensional framework (9DF), synthesising insights from participatory planning literature and empirical data collected and co-produced by USE-IT! Community Researchers contributing to the UK2070 commission’s work.

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Meet the authors

Dr Sara Hassan

Sara Hassan is a Research Fellow at City REDI with a strong multidisciplinary background: a Doctorate in Urban Transport Planning, a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Landscape and a Bachelor in Architectural Engineering. Her research and teaching interests include a focus on urban and transport planning by developing innovative policy evaluation models and policy reform issues, policy analysis and how it impacts poor and marginalised communities, community development and urban planning. She also researches in the area of local economic development, migration and commuting. 

Dr Lucy Natarajan

Lucy Natarajan is an Associate Professor at the Bartlett School of Planning, UCL. 

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