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Abstract

This paper argues that collaborative video projects offer a new, innovative model for community-university research partnerships to inform community planning processes. We begin with a brief review of participatory planning theory in the broader planning theory field. The work of Ken Reardon in East St. Louis is then used to illustrate the emergence of community-university research partnerships as a conduit for increasing participation in community planning processes. Building on the successes of Reardon's work the paper moves on to explore the use of video in community-university research partnerships. Using the author's participation in a community-university research partnership in the form of a collaborative video project in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, the paper sheds light on the opportunities and challenges collaborative video projects present in pursuit of a more inclusive, democratic planning process.