Some Optimism About Public Governance

Even in the face of great uncertainties, limited knowledge, imperfect data, and flawed processes of decision making, there is reason to be optimistic that democratic governments can make good decisions and achieve good outcomes for their citizens. Knowing fully what public value is, and how and when it is created and realized, before taking action is an unrealistic standard. Democracies can combine the expressions of citizen preferences by various means with technical and administrative expertise to make good public policy over time and to improve the authorities and processes they need to address the continuing challenges to creating public value.