Argues that the Housing Market Renewal (HMR) initiative, which seeks to radically alter local housing markets in northern England and the West Midlands through local interventions including mass clearance projects, will fail without an intensive programme of community involvement. Examines models of citizen involvement and also the nature of community involvement in policy and policy development. Considers community engagement with HMR implementation and resident responses to it. Concludes that local implementing authorities are now generally recognising the need for extensive local community involvement in areas where the pathfinders intend radical restructuring of the built environment and a broad range of techniques is being used to involve the general community and to draw some groups directly into decision making structures. Table describes Wilcox's stances of participation. Notes.