Finding Procedural Justice in Baltimore’s Department of Public Works

Structures of power and governance hold significant sway over the process and outcome of
decision-making in local governments. An assessment of the processes involved in
environmental decision-making (Dietz and Stern, 2008) and structures of governance (United
States Census Bureau, 2016; National League of Cities, 2016) can aid an understanding of how
public administration decisions are made, and help to dismantle structural power imbalances. To
the same end, the presence and impact of procedural justice must also be considered (Holifield,
2001). Holifield defines procedural justice as “referring to the access of citizens to environmental
decision-making processes that affect their environments” (Holifield, 2001, 81).

by Maren Stunes

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