Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Mark Gordon

Abstract

Public participation is essential to the efficient management of resources. However, there are significant problems with water resources management and water importation practices in Southern California due to lack of public awareness and input. Little is known regarding specific participants’ perceptions that could help in addressing the challenges of Los Angeles water resources management. Grounded in the advocacy coalition framework, this qualitative study was conducted with the purpose of narrowing this knowledge gap. The study explored the role of public participation in Los Angeles water resources management from the perspectives of key actors, resident stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, water agency administrators, and policymakers, who could contribute to an improved understanding of imported water challenges. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit nineteen participants. Data were collected from seven participants through online interviews and twelve participants through online focus group discussions. Coding and thematic data analysis were conducted to identify the following emerging themes: roles of the public, effectiveness of public participation, and outcomes of public engagement in Los Angeles water resources management. The data analysis results indicated general participant consensus that public participation has played important roles and produced effective outcomes that have moved Los Angeles from expansive extraction to retraction and refinement of imported water. The positive social change implications of this study are that results may inform the future direction of Los Angeles water resources management, and promote improved public engagement, awareness, understanding, and quality of life for all parties concerned.

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