The research question addressed in this paper is whether the amount of independence or autonomy that citizen advisory boards develop has an impact on their effectiveness. The independence of boards is measured in regard to board relations with administrators. In this paper, nine citizen advisory boards in Kalamazoo, Michigan are rated for effectiveness. Many individuals are cynical about the role of citizen advisory boards, since they do not have formal powers. However, this research suggests that boards can have an impact on policy if their members engage in certain activities designed to enhance their independence from administrators.
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