Principles of Equity and Inclusion in Action: A Case Study of Democratic Deliberation

Democratic innovations offer a promising set of interventions to empower citizens, reduce polarization, and reimagine participatory governance. This article examines the Petaluma Fairgrounds Advisory Panel (PFAP), a citizens assembly convened to deliberate the future of a locally significant property. This qualitative study consisted of 15 panelist interviews exploring panelist experiences of nine equity strategies incorporated into the PFAP design as well as broader themes around how equity was conceptualized. Certain equity strategies emerged as particularly salient in shaping panelists' experiences, underscoring the significance of specific design components in fostering equity. In most cases appraisals were positive, though several critiques and negative assessments were mentioned. Panelist conceptualizations of equity centered around notions of fairness and belonging. The current study offers a window into how strategies to promote equity are experienced, and can inform participatory and deliberative practices that seek to effectively incorporate values of equity.