Date of Conferral

5-14-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Lynn Wilson

Abstract

Sustainability planning in small suburban cities, particularly as it relates to waste management programs, remains an underexplored area in scholarly research. Without long-term planning, these cities often react to issues in a fragmented manner rather than implementing proactive policies, negatively affecting public health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to examine sustainable waste management policy processes that enable sustainability planning in Midwestern small suburban cities. Using Jones et al.’s local adaptive capacity framework and Q-methodology, viewpoint patterns were analyzed to understand what motivates decision-makers to foster an environment conducive to sustainability planning. Thirty-one participants representing three local government groups: (a) elected city officials, (b) appointed city officials with sustainability responsibilities, and (c) local community members supporting sustainability efforts, were recruited. Key informant consultations informed the development of a 64-question Q-set (-6 to +6), which participants sorted based on policy elements influencing decision-makers’ prioritization of sustainability planning for waste management. Factor analysis revealed five ideal types representing key perspectives: proactive visionaries, innovative leaders, community collaborators, practical technologists, and resource advocates. Proactive visionaries emerged as the strongest ideal type. These individuals emphasized leadership and forward-thinking as crucial to successful sustainability planning. The implications for positive social change include encouraging adaptive, inclusive, and responsive local policymaking and ultimately enhancing community resilience, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of equity in public service delivery.

Download

Share

 
COinS