Much is made of the idea of community engagement as an agent of democracy. Yet, the contribution of community influence in public decision-making processes is not straightforward. Doubtless, the rise in – and professionalisation of – community engagement can’t be ignored, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate surety around what community capacity or local knowledge can bring to decision-making processes. Especially where engagement practitioners and professionals are navigating received ways of involving communities, and decision-makers – particularly in political contexts – are increasingly constrained by resources and a focus on outcomes within election or policy cycles. Of course, government reforms promote equity through processes of engagement. However, policy-making is not commensurate with engaging communities, specifically vulnerable and marginal communities, in relation to longer-term decision-making goals.

This research paper arises from a drive to understand more deeply the intersection of community influence and public decision-making, especially in the context of the increased visibility of engagement, on the one hand, and declining trust in government, on the other. However, this ‘knot’, if you will, indicates the potential of engagement – notwithstanding that it’s produced within the context of society becoming more unequal, with challenges around climate chaos, economic deterioration, and inordinate demands placed on public health systems, or the so-called ‘polycrisis’ of which marginal and vulnerable communities face the full force. For engagement presents a pathway to unlocking narrow approaches to communities in decision-making processes.