Is civic participation dead?

One issue that constantly comes up in public administration is how to get better civic participation. It's an issue that all levels of government face but not all of them make it a priority-not that it's an easy task by any means.

I'm in my final intensive course this weekend and we had the Deputy Director of Phoenix speak to our class and he confessed that he makes it part of his routine to engage in community involvement every chance he gets. Although he has a lot on his plate he still finds time to talk to residents. If someone as busy as the Deputy Director of Phoenix finds the time to engage citizens why can't someone in a local department or agency? Sure there is public participation when things are at there worst or there is an important decision that needs to be made but why does it end there? One of my classmates asked "why doesn't civic engagement happen all the time; in good times and bad?" I think he brings up a good point. One complaint by public entities is that residents aren't informed on the issues and don't take interest in what's going on in their communities. Could it be because we expect residents to come to government and not the other way around? Given the pervasiveness of advertisements and marketing schemes, why do we not inform people of issues that really matter to the same extent? There seems to be a need for a complete re-ordering of cultural values in this country. I hope that it happens before it's too late.