In this new world, the primary role of government is not merely to direct the actions of the public through regulation and decree (though that may sometimes be appropriate), nor is it to simply establish a set of rules and incentives (sticks or carrots) through which people will be guided in the “proper” direction. Rather, government becomes another player, albeit an important player in the process of moving society in one direction or another.
Government acts, in concert with private and nonprofit groups and organizations, to seek solutions to the problems that communities face. In this process, the role of government is transformed from one of controlling to one of agenda setting, bringing the proper players to the table and faciletating, negotiating, or brokering solutions to public problems (often through coalition of public, private, and non-profit agencies). Where traditionally government has responded to needs by saying “yes, we can provide that service,” or “no, we can’t,”