The Fine Line: A Case Study Analysis of Meaningful Public Participation

This qualitative case study of the Washington State Department of Ecology's public participation efforts was conducted to better understand mechanisms, barriers and solutions to meaningful public participation in Ecology's work on reducing heavy metal exposure through the Cosmetics Toolkit project, and Toxics Free Cosmetics Act. This thesis research fills a gap in knowledge about Washington state agencies and their public participation efforts. This research uses qualitative research methods of semi-structured interviews, participant observation and document collection to create a case study analysis. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted, and nine participant events were observed. A demographic survey of interview participants was also collected, with data reported in aggregate. Results from this research show that mechanisms to meaningful public participation are relationships and trust. Internal structures at Ecology, contracts and implementation of public participation events were both mechanisms and barriers to meaningful public participation. Bureaucracy at Ecology and resources were both barriers to meaningful public participation. Solutions to barriers include additional training for Ecology employees about meaningful public participation and ensuring Ecology staff have strong understanding of contracting. Further research is needed to understand if these findings are applicable to other Washington state agencies' public participation efforts.