ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF CITY COUNCILS FOR LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Abstract

The process of change in the management approaches of cities encourages stakeholder participation. Multi-actor, transparent and controllable urban administrations should be the basic vision of modern cities. Because the heterogeneous structure is like a symbol of cities. It is important for the governance approach to have environments where different interest groups can come together for social reconciliation. City councils are examples of this situation. In the understanding of local government, there is a flow in favor of locality. This situation is valuable for local democracy. Effective and efficient participation of urban people in decisions contributes to accountability, social solidarity, and citizen awareness. Members of public, private, and non-governmental organizations can participate in city councils. It is therefore strong in terms of governance. The aim of this study is to examine the place and importance of city councils in terms of urban democracy. First of all, the conceptual framework of the phenomena is emphasized. Then, the roles in the establishment of local democracy through the structure of city councils are discussed. It is possible to realize the principles of governance in the functioning of city councils. Governance and city councils will play an active role in bringing a positive vision to cities. Therefore, city council activities that can work efficiently should be supported.