What is the concept called when people in a local area make decisions affecting their community?

The concept when people in a local area make decisions affecting their community is known as localism. Localism emphasizes the importance of local decision-making and allows communities to have more control over the issues that directly impact their lives and environments. This approach encourages local participation and engagement, enabling residents to address their unique needs, aspirations, and challenges.

Localism functions on the belief that local communities are often best positioned to respond effectively to their circumstances, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability among local citizens.

In contrast, decentralization typically refers to the redistribution of authority or functions from a central government to local or regional levels, but it doesn't specifically capture the essence of community-driven decision-making. Community governance encompasses a broader concept of managing communal affairs but does not exclusively focus on the active participation of local residents in decisions. Home rule refers to a degree of autonomy granted to a local government, but it's also not as focused on community engagement and decision-making as localism is.