Who pioneered urban development strategies with an emphasis on community empowerment?
Sherry Arnstein pioneered urban development strategies emphasizing community empowerment. She introduced the "Ladder of Citizen Participation," illustrating varying degrees of public involvement in decision-making processes. Arnstein advocated for grassroots participation, empowering communities to have a voice in shaping policies that affect them. Her approach challenges top-down methodologies, emphasizing that genuine engagement leads to better and more equitable urban development. By promoting collaborative efforts between residents and authorities, Arnstein's work continues to influence contemporary practices in urban planning and community development.