In Israel, conflicts between Bedouin communities and the Israeli government have grown increasingly intense in recent years. At stake in the strategically and symbolically important southern Negev Desert region are fundamental questions of both security and stability for the State of Israel and development, justice, and human rights for the Bedouin minority citizen population.

In January 2007, the Consensus Building Institute (CBI) lead a collaborative process to evaluate and improve the integrated functioning of the various entities that play a role in a growing Maine Town’s planning “system”. The process engaged over one hundred and fifty citizens, land owners, and professionals, and many stakeholders expressed interest in exploring additional options for educating and engaging the public in land use and other important Town governance issues.