River and wetland conservation and preservation issues in Arizona : a study of agenda building

Abstract

This study of agenda building concerns the identification and specification of the types of issues receiving the attention and action of governmental decision-makers. One of the most important reasons for studying agenda building is to facilitate a better understanding of the relationship between public participation and governance. The research is a case study of the initiation and development of river and wetland conservation and preservation issues in Arizona. The primary objective is to refine and clarify agenda-building theory. A second purpose is to help decision-makers and the public better understand the multiple facets of highly complex and controversial issue, and in turn, create more equitable and effective policy. The thesis provides a description and analysis of how and why river and wetland conservation and preservation issues have reached certain state and federal formal agendas to the exclusion of others and offers a prognosis about the future of these issues.