Government’s Role in Planning for the Future
The American public thinks that planning for the future is important, and they believe that this responsibility is a uniquely public one—even if they don’t believe that government always fulfills this role adequately. “One broadly-shared critique of the private sector is that it focuses on the short-term, not long-term planning. This contrast offers an opportunity to remind people about this unique public sector role and how it is a central differentiation from the private sector. ”1
To reinforce the role of government as a long-term planner, our research recommends emphasizing government as a steward and responsible manager while identifying the role of citizen action and engagement in long-term national, state and local problem-solving around a particular issue.
Two of our examples emphasize this notion of government as a long-term planner, focused on the future. Is Ref. C cash being spent as promised? focuses on the future, asking Coloradans what kind of state they want Colorado to be. And, Citizens’ Guide to a Strong Economy concludes with positive solutions for improving Wisconsin’s revenue system. It calls for Wisconsinites to work together to “leave Wisconsin better for the next generation.”
1 Bostrom, Meg. Public Knowledge. For the FrameWorks Institute. “Without a Mission: An Analysis of Qualitative Research Exploring Perceptions of Government.” May 2005.