Chickens in Salem: A Case-study Report on a Grassroots City Ordinance Initiative

Abstract

This essay is a case-study report on the journey of a city ordinance initiative that sought to legalize the raising and keeping of chickens in an urban area. It follows the ordinance’s inception, initial rejection, and eventual approval by the Salem City Council (Oregon). In particular, this essay analyzes the tactics used by the ordinance’s proponents. This includes the negotiations that were undertaken, especially between the supporters and certain members of the city council, as well as the compromises that were reached. It is an in-depth look into citizen participation in the lawmaking process, and the dispute resolution tactics employed throughout that process.