Local Government Level Research Articles

Local Climate Governance: Towards more Interactive Practices and Settings?

AbstractWhile environmental challenges are high on the public agenda, they have raised many questions concerning the ability of society and politics to cope with them. In liberal democracies, they challenge the traditional interplay between the state, business sector, and the various forces of civil society. Relating to the concepts of a more interactive and collaborative governance agenda, this study focuses on the local level of climate governance in municipalities and urban politics. It is based on material, documents, and interviews with representatives of public administration and civil society from seven major towns in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Our findings show progress in local governance, driven by municipal climate action plans, the recognition of climate action as a cross-cutting issue, and the influence of national and federal policies and programmes. The study identifies four main forms of revitalising and institutionalising intermediation across sectors: (1) public participation through various formats meant to give citizens a voice; (2) stakeholder involvement for co-designing measures and plans by partners and opponents most affected; (3) strategies of influencing public opinion and the prevailing discourse on climate politics; and (4) forms of co-production in policy implementation. While the impact of these forms of conflict management, bridge-building, or even cooperation may vary, they altogether define the nature of local interactive governance and its capacities for promoting sustainable development and democracy.

Mapping urban health policies: A scoping review of environmental, behavioural and socioeconomic determinants of health

Researchers have consistently shown that determinants of health—factors beyond healthcare, including the built environment and socioeconomic conditions— significantly impact health outcomes. This understanding has led to a growing trend in recent decades towards policy discourse that links determinants of health with health outcomes. However, the scientific community's access to these policies in a structured and systematised manner remains limited. The importance of this gap cannot be overstated, as information about which determinants of health are discussed and prioritised in policy agendas is spread across various documents from different organisations, making it difficult to address relevant policy questions promptly. A scoping review of urban health policies was conducted following JBI guidelines to bridge this gap. The aim was to create a structured framework that outlines the environmental, behavioural, and socioeconomic determinants of health included in policy agendas, as well as how they are understood and prioritised, their relationships with each other and with health outcomes, and how they vary across different geographic and governance levels. Using content analysis methods, 128 policy documents from intergovernmental, national, regional, and local governance levels were analysed, covering the World and European region and the cities of London, Lisbon, and Copenhagen from 2010 to 2022. The review identified 83 determinants of health employed in policy discourse, categorising them into nine priority themes: healthy diet; drug, alcohol, and tobacco; social cohesion; physical activity; safety; active travel; natural and open spaces; environmental exposures; and basic services. These determinants of health were organised in a structured framework to illustrate their perceived relationships with each other, the priority themes, and health outcomes, as well as their prioritisation in policy discourse based on their frequency of use in urban health policy. This review represents the first comprehensive scope of how determinants of health are employed in policy discourse. The resulting conceptual framework offers a remarkably comprehensive mapping of the systemic relations between determinants of health and health outcomes, which forms a valuable tool for guiding research and practice on the policy-suggested complex multivariate causal pathways between variables. This framework provides a foundation for systematically exploring previously challenging questions, such as how research evidence is being translated into policy discourse and which aspects of this discourse are being implemented into action. Moreover, the scoping review and content analysis protocol can be replicated in other geographic regions, providing insights into potential outcome variations.

Serving with Values in Challenging Times: Exploring Institutional Leaders' Values Work at Local Level During COVID-19

While existing literature mostly analyzes public leaders' pandemic responses, limited attention has been paid to local government leaders in terms of values work. This study examines the values created and infused by senior managers who serve as institutional leaders in local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on the data collected from the responses of the sample set, the study aims to illuminate the processes of creating and infusing values among senior managers of a metropolitan municipality in Türkiye. For this aim, interviews were conducted with 11 senior managers of this metropolitan municipality. The findings produced within the scope of two propositions firstly reveal three types of value created for, and infused into the organization: personal, organizational, and service-related. Secondly, the study identifies the uniform process devoted to values work among senior managers and reveals that there are no significant differences in the styles of creating and infusing values (i.e., values work) among managers at different levels of local government in challenging times.

Ethical Dilemmas and Their Impact on Accountability in Local Governments: A Study of the Greater Kigezi Sub-Region in Uganda

This study examines the impact of ethical dilemmas on accountability in local governments within the Greater Kigezi sub-region of Uganda comprising of Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, Rubanda and Rukiga local governments and therefore, sufficient enough to represent and enable generalization of findings to other local governments in the country. Over the past few decades, public sector reforms have sought to enhance transparency, efficiency, and service delivery. Despite these efforts, Uganda continues to face challenges in maintaining strong accountability systems, particularly at the local government level. Ethical dilemmas—stemming from conflicts of interest, political pressure, resource constraints, and cultural norms—undermine accountability and transparency, leading to corruption and diminished public trust. The study investigates these dynamics by exploring how ethical challenges affect governance in local governments through the aid of questionnaires and interviews with stakeholders drawn from the local governments and opinion leaders who represent the voices of the grassroots. Focusing on the Greater Kigezi sub-region, the research highlights widespread governance issues such as nepotism, political interference, and weak institutional oversight. Findings reveal that ethical dilemmas hinder public sector performance by compromising decision-making and oversight processes. To address these challenges, the study suggests enhancing ethical training, strengthening oversight institutions, fostering civic engagement, and developing clearer policies on ethics and accountability. By implementing these policy reforms, stakeholders can create more transparent and accountable local governance systems that better serve community needs

Partisan political staff at the local level: A self‐assessment of the policymaking role of the chief of cabinet

AbstractThis study explores the policymaking role of the chief of cabinet, as head of the partisan political staff and a central actor within politico‐administrative relations. We focus on the local government level, where the role of political staff is understudied. While the added value of partisan political staff can be diverse and comprise advisory and non‐advisory activities, we do assume an active policymaking role for the chiefs of cabinet within the local policy advisory system. The research question is: “How do chiefs of cabinet conceive their own policymaking role at the local government level?” Adopting an actor‐centered approach, this research studies 20 chiefs of cabinet in cities in the Belgian region Flanders, where the amount of political staff has risen sharply. Q methodology is used for self‐assessment of the policymaking role (Van Exel & De Graaf, 2005), with statements based on Maley's three arenas (Maley, 2015). The results show that multiple types of chief of cabinet exist, revealing variation within one single institutional system. The resulting taxonomy consists of three types of chiefs of cabinet, each with a different role and impact on both policymaking and the civil service: “The Whip,” “The Negotiator,” and “The Streamliner.”

Examining the efficacy of core competencies of municipal leaders in transforming local government in South Africa

PurposeThis study aims to examine the efficacy of municipal leaders’ leadership competencies in transforming local government in South Africa. Specifically, it focuses on identifying core competencies and obstacles that influence successful governance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe research employed a mixed-methods approach. Qualitative focus group interviews were conducted with n = 50 municipal leaders, stakeholders and experts. Additionally, an online survey was administered to N = 121 municipal leaders. The sample was drawn from eight local municipalities across South Africa, including Emfuleni Municipality, Ehlanzeni Municipality, Mbombela Municipality, Bushbuckridge Municipality, Msunduzi Municipality, Okahlamba Municipality, the City of Johannesburg and Tshwane MunicipalityNelson Mandela, Matlosana, Emfuleni, Ehlanzeni, Mbombela, Bushbuckridge, Msunduzi, Okahlamba, Mbombela Local Municipalities, the City of Johannesburg. Data analysis encompassed thematic coding and statistical analysis.FindingsThe findings suggest that the practical application of core competencies by municipal leaders is crucial for navigating complex challenges, fostering innovation and improving organizational culture and employee morale within local government agencies.Research limitations/implicationsResearch limitations include sample bias, reliance on self-reported data, contextual specificity to South Africa, potential for subjective interpretation and lack of long-term impact assessment.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the key competencies required for effective municipal leadership can inform training and development programmes for current and aspiring leaders. Practical application of these competencies can enhance governance outcomes, foster innovation and improve employee morale.Social implicationsEffective municipal leadership can contribute to social cohesion and service delivery, thus impacting the lives of citizens positively. By empowering employees and engaging stakeholders, municipal leaders can drive enduring outcomes and contribute to the overall well-being of communities.Originality/valueThis study fills a gap in existing research by examining the efficacy of leadership competencies within the context of South African municipal leadership. By identifying core competencies and obstacles, it provides valuable insights for improving governance and service delivery at the local government level.

The State Of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) In Nigeria And Implications To National Security: Northwest And North Central In Focus

The ongoing insurgency and banditry in northern Nigeria and the government's harsh attempts to put it down have resulted in a wave of refugees and internally displaced people. Increase in population density and the migration of displaced people into places that are thought to be relatively quiet are prominently causing significant security concerns. With particular reference to the city of Ilorin, this study investigates the role of internally displaced people and community concerns in connection to national security and their repercussions. The study showed that the state's failure to provide security and deal with residents' socioeconomic problems contributed to the instability that drove large population displacement. Losses of life, insecurity, population relocation, intolerance toward other ethnic and religious groups, the operation of the militant groups and most importantly economic disasters are the consequences of these unfavorable tendencies, as this article has discovered. The findings of this study shows that the government's response to the situation of internally displaced people in the nation has been patchy, with no long-term fix in sight. Additionally, the dilemma of internally displaced people severely impedes the region's growth. This paper consequently promotes the establishment of offices for these displaced people's representatives by including the affairs of internally displaced people at the local government level. As an option to dealing with the problem of internally displaced people in the nation, increasing funding for national security among residents would improve security in Ilorin metropolis.

Handling client financial insolvency in maternity services: An occurrence, experience and policy gap qualitative analysis among healthcare stakeholders in North-Central Nigeria.

To assess the occurrence of client financial insolvency, experiences of key healthcare stakeholders, and policy gaps on handling the situation during maternity services. A qualitative study was conducted in North-Central Nigeria. Participants were key healthcare stakeholders including healthcare workers from private, primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities, healthcare administrators/facility-heads, program managers and policy makers at local and state government levels through In-depth and Key Informant interviews. Identified themes were occurrence, experiences of stakeholders, and prevention of client financial insolvency. Data were analyzed with the Nvivo statistical package. Participants confirmed the occurrence of client financial insolvency. Clients' inability to pay hospital bills was due to being indigent, awaiting support from relations, or clients who were uncommitted to the payment. Health facilities lack guiding policy documents; potential cases are referred from private to public or from primary to secondary/tertiary facilities. Methods of handling financial insolvency included healthcare worker-related (staff scavenging for needed consumables, fund-raising among facility staff), facility-related (revolving fund, medical social welfare, welfare committee, discharge with re-payment plan, fee-waiver), community-related (ward development committee, religious organizations/philanthropists) interventions, or hospital detention of insolvent clients. Although clients' bills did not increase during detention, many clients did not honor post-discharge re-payment agreements. Participants suggested a client-friendly billing system, early initiation of birth preparedness, partner involvement, and a rapid scale-up of health insurance for pregnant women to curb financial insolvency. Tackling client financial insolvency requires policy documents, support to private facilities, effective debt-recovery mechanisms, and scale up of health insurance for pregnant women.

Integrated development plan strategies for service delivery in Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality

Background: Following the end of apartheid in 1994, the democratic government recognised the importance of local government as a key vehicle for service delivery.Aim: This article examined the effectiveness of the integrated development plan (IDP) strategies of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM) as a public service delivery tool.Setting: In South Africa, poor service delivery has remained a challenge. This has been attributed to the challenge of transparency and accountability. Thus, the lack of access to basic needs is more profound at the local government level. While urban centres have access to certain basic facilities, rural communities such as Walmer and Motherwell townships remain underdeveloped.Methods: The study used a qualitative research design for data collection and analysis. Thirty participants were purposively selected among municipal officials, ward councillors and community members for semi-structured interviews. Thematic data analysis was used for the analysis of data.Results: Despite the IDP’s well-structured strategic framework, various challenges, such as insufficient community participation, inadequate resource allocation and a lack of essential planning skills among officials hindered its effective implementation.Conclusion: The study concluded that for the IDP to achieve its aims, its implementation should be evidence-based and responsive to community needs. Effective service delivery requires a fundamental transformation in municipal leadership and public participation.Contribution: The article presents the challenge of public service delivery within the context of the IDP strategies in a specific municipality. It serves as a signpost for understanding the implementation of the IDP as a public service delivery strategy.

Diversion of public criticism and the politics of blame avoidance in China

This article looks at how the Chinese government utilizes information control strategies to avoid taking responsibility for social problems. The authors argue that Beijing diverts public criticism by placing more responsibility for social problems on private enterprises, thereby benefiting itself and the public sector in the blame game. This approach differs from the tactics addressed in the existing literature, such as inciting nationalism to deflect criticism, diverting public attention to unrelated matters, or placing the blame on local-level governments. Through a comparative study of the criticisms on Weibo, censored posts accessible via Weiboscope, and opinions expressed on Twitter during the 2016 Wei Zexi Incident, this article demonstrates that the process of attributing blame to the private sector took some time to develop, but it was nonetheless successful in diverting public criticism away from state actors. The skewed attribution of responsibility to private enterprises served to reduce public criticism of the government and the public sector.

A Study on the Pre-Survey and Plan for the Establishment of the Korean Typhoon Impact-Based Forecast

The intensity of typhoons affecting the Korean Peninsula has been rapidly increasing, resulting in significant damage. Notably, this intensification correlates with the rise in Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the western Pacific Ocean and surrounding sea areas, where typhoons that impact the Korean Peninsula originate and develop. The SST in these regions is increasing at a faster rate than the global average. Typhoon-related meteorological disasters are not isolated events, such as strong winds, heavy rains, or storm surges, but rather multi-hazard occurrences that can affect different areas simultaneously. As a result, preparation and evaluation must address multi-hazard disasters, rather than focusing on individual weather phenomena. This study develops the Typhoon Ready System (TRS) to improve impact-based forecasting in Korea, in response to the growing threat of multi-hazard weather disasters. By providing region-specific pre-disaster information, the TRS enables local governments and individuals to better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of typhoons. The system will be continuously refined in collaboration with the U.S. Weather-Ready Nation (WRN), which possesses advanced impact forecasting capabilities. The findings of this study offer a crucial framework for enhancing Korea’s ability to forecast and respond to the escalating threats posed by typhoons. By utilizing the TRS, it will be possible to assess the risks of various multi-hazard weather disasters specific to each region during the typhoon forecast period, and the relevant data can be efficiently applied at both the individual and local government levels for typhoon prevention efforts. The system will be continuously improved through cooperation with the U.S. WRN, leveraging their advanced impact forecasting systems. It is expected that the TRS will enhance the accuracy of typhoon impact forecasts, which have been responsible for significant damage in Korea.

The participatory budgeting and the collaborative governance movement at the Hungarian local government level

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of participatory budgeting (PB) practices in Hungary by exploring the experiences of three local governments. The research specifically investigates the environmental conditions conducive to PB adoption, internal organizational factors influencing its success and the short- and long-term outcomes of the process. Although in well-developed democracies attributed with active local communities has a long tradition in participation and cooperation between government and citizens, the Hungarian context offers a unique examination of participatory budgeting (PB) due to the developing civil sector and historical mistrust between government and civil society. However, in the context of increasing governmental centralization, local initiatives advocating for citizen-driven budgets are emerging. This research explores the feasibility of implementing participatory budgeting in this challenging environment. The interplay of a fledgling civil sector, entrenched scepticism, and centralization provides a distinctive backdrop for understanding PB dynamics in Hungary.

NEXUS BETWEEN THE ABSENCE OF A SOCIAL COMPACT, SOCIETAL POLARIZATION AND ITS IMPACT ON SERVICE DELIVERY IN SOUTH AFRICAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

South Africa, a nation marked by profound disparities, is deeply entrenched in the painful historical legacies of its past. The discourse on socio-economic transformation has been ongoing since the African National Congress (ANC) came into power in 1994, aiming to foster a social compact and reconcile the polarized society. Despite these efforts, black communities continue to face discrimination in service delivery. Daily reports of protests in impoverished, predominantly black communities emphasize the absence of a social compact in South Africa. This paper, primarily conceptual in nature and relying on secondary data, seeks to explore the nexus between the absence of a social compact, societal polarization, and its impact on service delivery in South African local government. It contends that addressing issues of poor service delivery, public protests and anti-government sentiment must start with acknowledging the absence of a social compact. This recognition should serve as the foundation for pursuing new paradigms for effective development and good governance practices at the local government level. The findings of this study suggest that the absence of a social compact is not only a result of human actions but also reflects structural issues. This absence exacerbates societal divisions, erodes trust in governance structures and hampers collaborative efforts crucial for effective service provision. Furthermore, societal polarization compounds challenges related to resource allocation and perpetuates disparities in service access, particularly impacting marginalized communities. In conclusion, the paper proposes policy recommendations aimed at fostering social cohesion, addressing structural inequalities, and promoting inclusive governance practices.

John Major’s politics of place: a new look at english local government reform, 1990–1997

ABSTRACT This paper argues that instead of being a minor policy, Conservative reforms to the structure of English local government in the 1990s were central to John Major’s government and to his idea of Conservativism and Englishness. Major believed that restoring the 39 English historic counties as local government areas could revive the Party’s electoral fortunes by connecting with traditionalist voters in the ‘Tory shires’ and could also facilitate privatisation at a local government level. These reforms failed because Major’s government failed to understand that voters were far less interested in reviving historic counties as local government areas than they were in efficient, inexpensive services. The collapse of local government reform indicates that neoliberal economic reform and traditional English cultural conservatism could not be reconciled as part of government policy.

Концепция создания общей ценности массового спорта

Mass sports is an important socio-cultural phenomenon that influences the formation of values and behavioural attitudes in society. The study of the concept of creating a common value of mass sports is important for understanding its influence on public consciousness and the development of socio-cultural environment. The relevance of this study is due to the importance of the development of mass sports as a means of strengthening the physical and psychological health of the population, the formation of social unity and solidarity, which, in turn, allows us to talk about the creation of a common value of mass sports. The research methods included retrospective literature review, analysis and synthesis, systematization and grouping of data, mathematization in the context of frequency determination and modelling. The paper proposed a conceptual model for creating shared value in mass sports, which describes opportunities for the development of sport organizations through addressing social problems and on this basis creating economic value for organizations, local communities, and the economy of the country. The results of the study showed that the concept of creating shared value in mass sports implies not only the achievement of sports results, but also the formation of favorable sociocultural and socio-economic conditions for the development of society and the economy. An important aspect of the concept realization is the integration of mass sports into public life and the creation of conditions for equal access to sport for all groups of the population. In conclusion, it is necessary to develop mass sports and implement the concept of creating common value to ensure the health and well-being of society. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies for the development of mass sports based on joint value creation. The concept of jointly created value in mass sports is implemented at both the state and local levels of government.

The tidal flood implications for territorial resilience in the coastal area of Sayung, Demak Indonesia

Tidal floods have transformed into a serious threat in the coastal area of Sayung, Demak, Indonesia. The disasters, which afflict recurrently and in the long term, will have an adverse effect on the territorial resilience of the impacted areas. Disasters constitute disruptive phenomena in the national resilience system in a broad scope. Territorial resilience is a micro form of national resilience, and hence, the study of territorial resilience is emphasized at local government levels, e.g., provincial and regency, and on all systems which become subsystems within a region. This research is aimed at analyzing tidal flood implications for territorial resilience using a qualitative method with a case-study approach. Results demonstrated that tidal floods had an implication for gatras (aspects) of national resilience. Several aspects with significant effects in the static aspect were geographic, demographic, and natural resources, while in the dynamic aspect, tidal floods impacted economic and socio cultural aspects.

Dynamic control of ecological restoration in abandoned mines under the background of ecology-oriented development in China

PurposeThis study examines how local governments and enterprises can implement ecological restoration of abandoned mines based on ecology-oriented development (EOD), which will be more beneficial to local environmental protection and economic development under the central government’s policy of outcome incentives or process subsidies.Design/methodology/approachWe construct a dynamic differential game model to simulate the interactions between local governments and enterprises during the ecological restoration of abandoned mines from an EOD perspective.FindingsThe findings suggest that under the central government’s outcome incentive policy, cooperation between local governments and enterprises is an optimal strategy. Under the process subsidy policy, while neither cooperative nor non-cooperative models significantly affect the investment levels of local governments and enterprises, a cooperative approach ensures optimal investments from both without solely relying on the process subsidy. Additionally, incorporating altruistic preferences can lead to Pareto improvements in economic and environmental results under central government outcome incentives.Practical implicationsThis research offers a policy foundation for governments to encourage the EOD model in the ecological restoration of abandoned mines. It provides theoretical support for achieving environmental sustainability and high-quality economic development, and is particularly significant for resource-depleted cities seeking to transform their development strategies.Originality/valueThrough a dynamic differential game model involving government agencies and enterprises to simulate decision-making in the ecological restoration of abandoned mines, incorporating altruistic preferences into this restoration process, and identifying optimal strategies and policies for ecological restoration.

О цифровизации контроля за законностью муниципальных нормативных правовых актов

The present article is focused on the study of control over legality of municipal regulatory legal acts. The author observes significant amount of such acts in the regulatory legal system of the country and numerous lawmaking defects at the local government level. The implementation of modern software and hardware solutions to ensure control, as well as for direct detection of lawmaking defects is studied in the present article. Certain aspects of implementation of artificial intelligence technologies that, due to the complexity of algorithms, are able to independently perform routine tasks, to enable a specialist to concentrate on more demanding stages of control, and at the same time can create security threats, are described. As a result of the research it is concluded that it is necessary to create a unified digital platform of lawmaking and control of its legality.

COMBATTING CORRUPTION IN INDONESIAN REGIONAL GOVERNANCE: STRATEGIES, CHALLENGES, AND PATHWAYS TO STABILITY

This study investigates initiatives aimed at the local government level to end criminal acts of corruption. The persistence challenge of corruption in Indonesia especially within the regional governance still happening despite extensive anti-corruption initiatives in the country. By examining the multifaceted modus operandi across the local government it will uncovering the menacing threat that corruption poses to the stability of the regional governance, if not, the country. Analyzing how well local governments use procedures and techniques to combat corruption is the primary goal of their research. The study results offer a comprehensive understanding of the difficulties and roadblocks encountered in attempts to end corruption on a regional scale. Furthermore, this study also finds contributing elements that can boost anti-corruption initiatives' efficacy. The anticipated outcomes are anticipated to enhance comprehension of the mechanisms involved in eliminating corruption at the local government level and offer a foundation for enhancing policies and putting them into effect.

Enhancing e-government in digital transformation: integrating archive management and digital solutions in Pekanbaru, Indonesia

Efficient and modern archive management is very important in this digital era, especially at the local government level. In this context, this study explores the urgency of archive management using the Integrated Dynamic Archival Information System (SRIKANDI) approach in the Pekanbaru City Government. The research method used is qualitative, with data sources from interviews, documentation, and observation and analysis using the NVivo 12 Plus software. The study's results identified challenges to SRIKANDI implementation, including inadequate technological infrastructure, the need for skilled human resources in information technology, attention to data security, changes in organizational culture, and ongoing technical support. Based on these findings, policy recommendations have been made, including investments in technology infrastructure, human resource training and development, strict data protection, and changes in organizational culture. This research has positive implications for archive management, increasing efficiency and accountability in Pekanbaru. This research provides insights for other city governments wishing to undertake similar digital transformations in electronic-based archives management