Local Public Policy Research Articles

Development policies and creative ecologies: multicultural craftsmanship at the triple frontier (Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay)

The creative economy is closely linked to frameworks and models that emphasise intellectual and symbolic capital; however, its effective integration with local development remains underexplored in multicultural border regions. This article examines the formation and dynamics of a creative ecology through the Ñandeva program, which promoted culturally based craft production in the triple frontier of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Utilising document analysis and interviews with key stakeholders, the study reconstructs the program’s trajectory and evaluates its contributions to territorial development. The results reveal the emergence of a locally rooted creative infrastructure, the activation of networks among artisans, the introduction of sustainable production technologies and the promotion of identity-based tourism. By comparing the Ñandeva experience with international cases from Europe and Southeast Asia, the study demonstrates how different governance models and levels of institutionalisation influence the resilience of creative ecologies. The findings indicate that while the program mobilised significant cultural and economic value, its long-term impact was constrained by institutional fragility and a lack of integration with local public policies. The article concludes by proposing a typology of creative ecologies in border regions and emphasising the need for stable, inclusive, multilevel governance frameworks to sustain creative economies over time.

Inclusion of grassroots recycling organizations for solid waste in local public policies: Case study in Southern Brazil

Inclusion of grassroots recycling organizations for solid waste in local public policies: Case study in Southern Brazil

Predição da Chuva Média para a Cidade do Recife entre os Anos de 2014 e 2023

Due to recent climate change, the study and understanding of local climate and the hydrological cycle have become increasingly important, since these changes have led to extreme precipitation events, causing flooding and damage to society as a whole. Recife-PE is one of the cities that suffer from these events. The objective of this study was to estimate the average rainfall in different points of the city of Recife-PE, enabling better planning of local public policies, based on the periods of greatest rainfall and greatest droughts. Rainfall data, from January 2013 to December 2023, were obtained from the National Center for Monitoring and Alerts for Natural Disasters (CEMADEN). Average rainfall was determined by the Thiessen polygon methodology. Data normality was verified by the Shapiro-Wilk test, with a significance of 5% and data trend by linear regression. It was found that the months with the lowest and highest rainfall volumes were October 2016 and May 2022, respectively. The average rainfall values ​​follow a normal distribution and show a slight upward trend. The number of available stations has increased satisfactorily, however, their spatial distribution is inadequate. In order for rainfall determination to be a strong indicator in political decision-making, it is necessary to have a better distribution of rain gauges, in addition to the continued monitoring of average rainfall.

Gestión de políticas públicas locales para promoción turística en Iberoamérica

Based on a review of databases, this study aimed to analyze local public policy management initiatives for tourism promotion in Ibero-America. Framed within an emerging paradigm, the research followed a descriptive-exploratory systematic review approach, using official planning and management reports issued by 22 municipalities across 11 countries in the region. These documents, analyzed through a hermeneutic lens, provided a valuable source of information for identifying and characterizing the actions implemented by local governments in terms of productive promotion with a tourism focus. The results and findings are centered on identifying the most common intervention patterns, the management tools employed, and the priority sectors within municipal strategies for tourism development. In addition, the study explored the relationship between these practices and the structural challenges faced by local management systems, such as limited resources, the need for professionalizing human capital, coordination with private sector actors, and integration into intermunicipal cooperation networks. While a significant diversity of strategies was observed, common trends emerged, including investment in basic infrastructure, the promotion of destinations through digital media, and the strengthening of cultural events as drivers of tourism attraction. Finally, the study concludes with a reflection on how these initiatives can contribute to institutional strengthening and the consolidation of sustainable local development models within the framework of territorial competitiveness.

Quality of Life in Indian Cities—A Productivity- and Amenity-based Classification

It is postulated that the availability of amenities and city-specific locational advantages influence the location choices made by economic agents. We model productivity and availability of amenities, as exhibited by the presence of wage and rent differentials among Indian cities, as drivers of economic activity. Using person-level survey data pertaining to 27 class I cities (cities with a population of more than 100,000) in India, we construct the observed wage and rent differentials and classify the cities based on levels of productivity and amenities. In a federal structure of governance, where locational tournaments have an important bearing on local economic development and the export potential of a city, this exercise has important implications for the design of local public expenditure policy. JEL Codes: J200, J300, R100, R200

Legislation and Population Size: Factors Influencing Urban Solid Waste Collection Costs in Municipalities of the State of Rio De Janeiro

Objective: This article aims to investigate whether the presence of specific municipal legislation and the population size of municipalities in the State of Rio de Janeiro significantly influence the unit costs of urban solid waste collection. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical foundation is based on the Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS), as well as studies on municipal governance, local public policies, and sustainability in waste management, with a focus on operational efficiency and the costs involved in providing solid waste collection services. Method: The research adopted a quantitative approach, analyzing data extracted from the National Sanitation Information System (SNIS). Municipalities were classified into six groups based on the presence of specific legislation and population size. Statistical tests such as Shapiro-Wilk and Mann-Whitney were applied to assess differences in medians across groups, with support from the RStudio software. Results and Discussion: The results reveal that large municipalities with specific legislation presented lower median costs per ton of waste collected, suggesting greater efficiency in service delivery. In contrast, small municipalities without legislation tend to have higher unit costs. Research Implications: The findings contribute to the improvement of municipal public policies for waste management, reinforcing the importance of legislation as a mechanism for operational and financial efficiency, especially in larger municipalities. The research also provides empirical evidence useful to policymakers and local administrators. Originality/Value: The originality of this study lies in the simultaneous analysis of two structural factors (local legislation and population size) on waste collection costs, using a comparative statistical approach with real data from all municipalities in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The research fills a gap in the literature by proposing an analytical typology that can be replicated in other Brazilian states.

Comparative Assessment of Faecal Bacterial Contamination of Vegetables from the Central and Fresh Food Markets in Foumbot, West-Cameroon

The health quality of vegetables sold in Cameroon is still not well known. The objective of this study was to determine the health risk associated with the consumption of vegetables sold in markets in Foumbot, to inform strategies for consumer protection. Hundred samples of vegetables (Carrots, celery, basil, parsley, lettuce, tomato, African eggplant, cucumbers, peppers, chillies), i.e. 50 per market (the central and fresh food markets) were taken and faecal coliforms, E. coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp. and faecal streptococci were investigated using the plattage technique. The one-way ANOVA test (analysis of variance) was used to compare the mean bacterial contamination levels among samples for all analyses, differences were considered significant for values of P < 0.05. Results showed that the bacterial load in the samples exceeded the standards set by the Health and Information Communication System (SCISCOM. Observed values were: African eggplant (4.48 to 5.90 Log CFU/g), basil (4.77 to 4.84 Log CFU/g), carrots (4.42 to 6.05 Log CFU/g), celery (4.54 to 4.84 Log CFU/g), cucumbers (4.59 to 5.64 Log CFU/g), lettuce (3.73 to 4.72 Log CFU/g), parsley (4.01 to 5.98 Log CFU/g), peppers (2.66 to 5.75 Log CFU/g), chillies (4.31 to 4.92 Log CFU/g) and tomatoes (4.09 to 4.89 Log CFU/g). Overall, only a few vegetable samples had bacterial loads that met the standard set by Scicom (1000 faecal coliforms/g, 100 E. coli/g and 0 CFU/25g of vegetable for Shigella spp., Salmonella spp. and faecal streptococci). The presence of these bacterial, which exceed the norm, represents a real risk for consumers and is thought to be responsible for the presence of food-borne illnesses in the commune of Foumbot. Consequently, it is imperative to implement education and awareness strategies on food hygiene among vendors and consumers and, establish food safety management protocols, in collaboration with local health authorities. Protecting consumer health and ensuring food safety must become priorities in local public health policies.

A vidéki területek környezeti és társadalmi mobilitási problémáinak kezelése: új megoldások új szereplők számára?

While rural mobilities are facing socio, economical and environmental challenges in France and in Europe, the French government passes a law to cover its whole territory of authorities responsible for organising mobilities so local authorities could address some responses to those diderent challenges. This reorganisation of mobility competences in France is leading to the arrival of new actors in those territories, namely some inter-municipal authorities. These actors are part of a complex and multiscalar system influenced by directives from the top and needs from the bottom. At the same time, the „repertoire of available solutions” appears to be evolving in rural areas. Indeed, rural territories are seeing the emergence of amenities previously absent around the road network: small multimodal hubs. What mobility projects can be observed now in rural areas? To what extent can we talk about changes in the repertoire of available solutions? Are those projects really new? In more general terms: what dynamics exist in the repertoire of available solutions for stakeholders in rural mobility? To answer, a literature review is completed by a multi-criteria analysis of the discourses of local authorities working on mobility in low-density areas. A sample of discourses is selected with the purpose of collecting data before and after stakeholders restructuring. We argue in this article that this law reinforces the local role of inter-municipal authorithies in local action through mobility. Nevertheless, those areas which where not lacking actors and inter-muncicipal authorithies should now find its place in a pre-existent system. Besides, the state keeps an important role behind the scene and pulls the strings of those local public policies. Our analysis will first allow us to understand the introduction of inter-municipal authorities as new players in the local mobility stakeholder system. Second, this work will give us a greater comprehension of restructuring and its impacts on public action at the local scale. Finally, we’ll see the state's role remaining in local policies.

Study on the diffusion of local public library management policies in China: An empirical analysis based on the berry policy diffusion model

The significant role of policy in the development of library affairs has been widely recognized, resulting in a substantial body of academic work on this topic. However, there is scarce research on the diffusion patterns of library policies within a specific country or region. This study uses macro data from China’s 31 provinces from 2013 to 2022 to analyze the main modes and characteristics of local public library management policy diffusion. To achieve this, a theoretical model suitable for examining the diffusion mechanisms of local public library management in China was designed by adapting the Berry Diffusion Model to fit China’s unique socio-political system. The model incorporates empirical analysis based on regional economic conditions, population distribution, and the development level of public libraries. The empirical results indicate four key findings: First, the primary diffusion modes for local public library management policies in China are “Top-Down Hierarchical Diffusion,” “Neighboring Region Follow-up Diffusion,” and “Bottom-Up Absorption Diffusion.” Second, local economic development levels do not lead to the diffusion of local public library management policies. Third, compared to other factors, financial allocations for public library affairs are more closely related to the diffusion activities of local public library management policies. Fourth, implementing new policies may entail latent negative effects that local governments need to consider when engaging in policy diffusion activities. This paper uses a policy analysis methodology rarely used in library studies to explore issues of policy diffusion that significantly impact library development but have not yet received widespread attention. The paper provides empirical data within the context of China, which can serve future comparative studies on public library policies or policy diffusion in non-Western contexts. This approach can foster international collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Sustainable Strategies for Artisanal Fishing in the Pacific: Responding to Climate Change in Colombia and Peru

Objective: This study aims to formulate a comprehensive proposal to strengthen the artisanal fishing sector in the Pacific region of Colombia and Peru in response to challenges posed by climate change. It seeks to promote the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of the sector. Theoretical Framework: Climate change generates adverse impacts on marine ecosystems, altering migration patterns and reducing biodiversity. Previous studies (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2018) indicate that global warming affects the distribution of marine species, decreasing catches and increasing the economic vulnerability of coastal communities. Moreover, recent research highlights the need to integrate local knowledge and adaptive public policies to foster sustainability in the fisheries sector (FAO, 2018). Methodology: This study adopted a mixed-methods approach: Qualitative dimension: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with artisanal fishers in selected communities along the Colombian and Peruvian Pacific coast, featuring open-ended questions on perceptions of climate change and its effects. Quantitative dimension: An econometric analysis was employed to evaluate the impact of climate change on the productivity of the artisanal fishing sector, utilizing secondary data from governmental and academic institutions. Results and Discussion: Impacts of Climate Change: The results revealed that El Niño and La Niña phenomena have significantly affected the availability of marine species. Key species such as anchovies and shrimp have migrated to less accessible areas, reducing catches and community income (Bellido et al., 2021). Proposed Strategies Economic diversification: Promote complementary activities like coastal ecotourism. Effective public policies: Strengthen regulations to prevent overfishing and promote sustainable resource use. Sustainable technologies: Implement environmental monitoring systems and low-impact vessels. Originality/Value: This research makes a significant contribution to the field of sustainable management of artisanal fisheries by addressing a global problem with an integrated approach. The originality of this study lies in: Interdisciplinary perspective: Combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies provides a deep understanding of how climate change affects artisanal fishing in the Pacific region of Colombia and Peru. Adaptive proposals: Developing practical and specific strategies that can be replicated in similar contexts globally. Theoretical and practical contribution: This work not only fills gaps in the literature on climate adaptation in artisanal fisheries but also offers actionable tools for public policy. Practical Implications: The findings can guide the formulation of sustainable public policies, strengthen fishing infrastructure, and promote economic diversification. Additionally, they serve as a reference for non-governmental organizations and international agencies in designing adaptive programs. Social Relevance: The study highlights the importance of empowering fishing communities through training and access to sustainable technologies, enhancing their resilience to the effects of climate change and ensuring their food and economic security.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PREGNANT WOMEN AFFECTED BY TUBERCULOSIS IN THE STATE OF PARAÍBA, BRAZIL, BETWEEN 2018 AND 2023

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of affecting other structures and organs such as the kidneys, meninges, bones, among others. This infection typically has a greater impact on immunocompromised individuals and those with congenital infection. Despite the importance of epidemiological surveillance of TB, there is a need for research on this topic in pregnant women. Objective: Therefore, this study aimed to outline the epidemiological profile of pregnant women affected by tuberculosis in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, between 2018 and 2023. Methodology: This was a quantitative, descriptive epidemiological study that utilized secondary data from the SINAN and DATASUS databases. The variables analyzed included age group, year, ethnicity, education level, and clinical forms of TB. Data were presented using simple descriptive statistics. Results: It was observed that from 2018 to 2023, there were 48 confirmed cases of TB in pregnant women, with the year 2023 showing the highest prevalence of cases (23%). The epidemiological profile predominantly consisted of women aged 18 to 39 years (69.0%) and of mixed race (73.0%). The most common clinical form was pulmonary TB, accounting for 83% of cases. Conclusions: Based on the findings, there is a highlighted importance for the development of local public policies for the prevention and screening of TB in pregnant women.

Business Executives’ Evaluation of the Impact of Local Authorities’ Regulations on the Local Business Environment

This paper investigates the relationship between the regulation of the local economy by local policymakers and the appropriateness of local economic conditions for firms to compete nationally and internationally. We statistically analyzed the answers provided directly by the managers of 67 medium and large companies operating in Romania and found that regulation of the local economy is positively and significantly associated with the right local conditions for productivity (r = 0.548), innovation (r = 0.667), cluster formation (r = 0.574) and local competition (r = 0.760). Specifically, locations and cities where business executives reported better scores for private sector involvement in regulation, supporting export industries and specialized regulation also reported better scores for finding appropriate local conditions. Even so, 50% to 60% of business executives reported that their local economy is not regulated as it should be for their companies to be productive and innovative. Consequently, we propose various recommendations for local public policies. The research is important for both theory and practice of public administration, contributing with empirical evidence on improving aspects of local or urban economies for existing firms to increase their competitiveness for operating in national or international business contexts. Local policymakers find in this paper the specific aspects they should improve to stimulate local economic development by building microeconomic competitiveness.

Forest Trade on the Amazon Frontier and Its Interaction with the EUDR

This article analyzes how the European Union’s Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) could affect the production of forest goods in Mato Grosso (MT), a Brazilian state whose economy depends on commodity exports. The text is divided into five topics: the first discusses the context of forestry products in the Brazilian state; the second analyzes the trade in forestry goods in the EU, its regulation, and the prospects for its application in MT; the third offers a conceptualization of the Brussels Effect and its manifestation in Brazil; the forth one presents the results of field research with actors in the forestry sector in the state, exploring their perceptions about the EU Brussels Effect; and the last one analzyes which Mato Grosso’s municipalities are more exposed to the EUDR in their timber exports. The results obtained through semi-structured interviews highlight the diversity of knowledge of the different groups interviewed about European regulations in the country’s timber forestry industry. State authorities show a clear awareness of the influence of EU regulations, mainly concerning local public policies and international pressure on deforested areas in the Amazon. Stakeholder perceptions reveal a complex intersection between environmental, economic, and social concerns, highlighting the importance of constructive dialogue between different actors to mitigate conflicts and promote sustainable practices in the forestry sector, in line with global and local conservation demands for environmental and sustainability. Additionally, more than 80 Mato Grosso municipalities will be directly impacted by the EUDR, given their export profiles.

Impact of Soil Use On Winter Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The Agricultural Sector in Alagoas Through An Emissions Inventory

Objective: To prepare a greenhouse gas inventory within the state of Alagoas for 2019, using data and factors from livestock and agriculture. Theoretical framework: Preparing an inventory is an important tool for understanding climate change that is directly related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mostly resulting from anthropogenic activities. In Brazil, agriculture stands out as one of the main sources of emissions, driven by the production of grains and animals for domestic and foreign consumption. Due to the difficulty of direct measurement, emissions are often assessed through inventories. The GHG emissions inventory is one of the basic tools that provides relevant data to direct certain public policies, or civil society actions, to reduce GHG emissions into the atmosphere, given that the state of Alagoas has few scientific productions on GHG sources and emissions. Methodology: Emissions were calculated by multiplying the emission coefficient following the methodology proposed by the IPCC, GHG Protocol, using the multiplication of the emission coefficient also indicated by the IPCC, MCTIC, EMBRAPA by the total number of heads or by the number of hectares of each crop in 2019 to calculate emissions. The results were then transformed into figures to facilitate understanding and analysis. Results and Discussions: N2O emissions from temporary and permanent crops, and N2O and CH4 emissions from flooded rice crops; as well as CH4 and N2O emissions from the livestock sector, totaling 10.53 MtCO2e of emissions in 2019. Comparing with other results, differences were noted in the total emissions due to the adoption of different methodologies and factors, as well as in what to measure, so this article presents advances and limitations, contributing to a greater depth of understanding of emissions. Research Implications: This research contributes to the scientific literature, public policy actions and environmental planning, as well as understanding and analyzing the impacts on the agricultural sector, and methodological and scientific advances, and the promotion of new research and data updates that can guide new research and updates. Originality/value: This study provides a regional focus on Alagoas, with consistent applications of international methodologies (IPCC, GHG Protocol) in local contexts. It serves as a basis for local public policies, environmental and climate impacts, expanding knowledge about the state's emissions, and encouraging innovation in local methods, as well as awareness and social mobilization.

Synergy of Environmental Management and Public Policy for Adat-Based Tourism: A Study on the Baduy Cultural Saba, Indonesia

Saba Budaya Baduy in Kanekes Village, Lebak Regency, is a custom-based tourist destination that offers unique culture and beauty of the natural environment. However, the increase in the number of tourists poses new challenges, including environmental degradation, pressure on local culture, and less than optimal public policies in support of sustainability. This study aims to analyze the synergy between environmental management based on local wisdom and public policy in realizing sustainable tourism in the region. The method used is a qualitative approach with case studies. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and analysis of policy documents. The results of the study show that the local wisdom of the Baduy indigenous people, such as the prohibition of the use of modern technology and nature conservation practices, plays an important role in maintaining environmental balance. However, the public policies implemented are often not in harmony with customary values, thus creating challenges in destination management. This research identifies the need for closer synergy between the government, indigenous peoples, and tourism actors to create inclusive and adaptive policies. The main recommendations include increasing the participation of indigenous peoples in the policy formulation process, strengthening environmental regulations, and educating tourists about the importance of respecting local customs and the environment. This research is expected to be a reference in the development of other customary-based tourism destinations in Indonesia.

Capacidade Institucional para Planejamento de Saneamento Básico: Insights do Brasil

Abstract Although the literature on sanitation is vast, the relationship between the local institutional structure and planning capacity remains a gap in the area, affecting the performance of local policies to expand access to these services. Contributing to this discussion, we aim to understand the effects of local institutional capacity on the development or not of local public policies for basic sanitation (PPSB) by Brazilian municipal managers. Using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and binomial logistic regression, we analyzed a panel of data from the municipalities of Minas Gerais state from 2010 to 2019. We therefore propose a model that verified different dimensions of the institutional capacity of these municipalities, confirming their effects on the probability of developing municipal basic sanitation policies. We found that higher levels of income negatively influenced the likelihood of policy realization, while higher levels of expenditure encouraged policy making. The results also suggest that efforts towards greater governance and social involvement can contribute greatly, since, in addition to the lack of adequate resources and training, the public manager's political will can constitute one of the central obstacles to universalization access to basic sanitation services.

TRANSIÇÃO PARA SISTEMAS ALIMENTARES CIRCULARES: UM ESTUDO DOS STAKEHOLDERS EM CINCO CIDADES BRASILEIRAS

ABSTRACT The circular economy (CE) proposes a development model that favors economic growth combined with the rational use of natural resources and the reuse of waste. To mitigate food insecurity and gas emissions, CE principles can be applied to urban food systems. This study addresses how stakeholders can influence the development of the circular economy to create more sustainable and equitable urban food systems. The research analyzed qualitative data collected with management teams from the cities of Rio Branco (AC), Santarém (PA), Recife (PE), Maricá (RJ), and Curitiba (PR) to analyze municipal governance and identify good practices aligned with the development of policies and programs to promote circular food systems. The results suggest that the change to circular food systems requires the qualification of local technical teams, quality management, a systemic vision of food, and multi-level governance, in addition to the ability to connect food and nutritional security programs with the aim of minimizing the generation of waste and maximizing the use of healthy foods. The research contributes to advancing the governance of urban food systems and provides input for improving local public policies aligned with environmental sustainability and food sovereignty in cities.

Case Study of an Extreme Heat Wave in Rio de Janeiro on November 2023: Synoptic Conditions and Climatological Trends

This article is a case study to analyze the synoptic and climatological aspects of an heat wave in Rio de Janeiro, located in the Southeast Region of Brazil, during November 2023. This work aims to investigate whether the high temperatures recorded on November 17 and 18, 2023, during a concert of an American singer, could be considered an extreme weather event. On the first day of the concert, the 17th, many people fell ill due to the extreme heat, and a 23-year-old female died, a victim of cardiorespiratory arrest caused by thermal exhaustion. On November 18, 11 meteorological stations recorded a maximum temperature (TX) equal to or over 40 °C, and the highest TX in the city was 43.5 °C. At a station located in the coldest area of the city, the highest TX (39.6ºC) in its entire historical record (1967-2023) was also recorded on the 18th. Such extremely high temperatures occurred during a prefrontal situation and at the end of a heat wave that lasted eight days. Analysis of the diurnal cycle of the air temperature on the 17th and 18th indicated that the minimum temperature (TN) was about 5 to 6 °C above its climatology; the TX was approximately 13 °C above its climatological value, and high temperatures lasted all afternoon. On the 18th, the Heat Index reached 55.1 ºC at 14:00 and 15:00 LT, characterizing a state of medical emergency during seven hours. In terms of climate, in addition to the increase in intensity and frequency of warm extremes over the city, the El Niño phenomenon (EN) was configured in the Pacific Ocean from April 2023 to May 2024, causing a drier and warmer spring in Southeast Brazil. This concert represented a milestone for the city regarding the need for local public policies to regulate massive crowd-gathering events during heat wave episodes. Finally, it is possible to state that the event was extreme, caused by the combination of a heat wave, in a prefrontal situation, during an EN event, and in a context of climate change.

POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS E USINAS SOLARES: INDICADORES SOCIOECONÔMICOS E PERCEPÇÃO DA POPULAÇÃO EM MUNICÍPIOS DE MINAS GERAIS

With the intensification of climate change, solar energy stands out as one of the fastest growing alternative energy sources in the world. In this article, the evolution of socioeconomic indicators related to the implementation of solar plants in 22 municipalities in Minas Gerais up to 2019 was researched. In addition, a field study was carried out in the city of Pirapora where, until the date of development of the research, the largest solar plant in Latin America was installed. In this municipality, qualitative interviews were conducted with relevant political and social actors, such as state deputy, federal deputy, councilor, local leaders, businessmen and civil society. We tried to show, through the analysis of the evolution of the indicators and field research, the limited potential for socioeconomic development provided by the mills in the municipalities where they were installed. Although there have been significant gains in the labor market of these municipalities in the short term, these were limited to the time of the installation of these plants, contrary to the idea that initiatives such as these have potential for local development. The research is believed to contribute to further studies on the development of local public policies, especially focused on the current challenges of climate change and local politics.

The Role of Festivals and Cultural Events in Promoting Social Inclusion: Examining Local Public Policy Documents in Romania

Abstract This study aims to investigate whether festivals and cultural events are considered by the cities that host them as a means to achieve social inclusion goals. We analyzed public policy documents related to urban development strategies and the allocation of non-reimbursable funds for festivals and cultural events in five Romanian cities: Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca, Sfântu Gheorghe, Miercurea Ciuc, and Alba Iulia, in order to identify to what extent city municipalities consider that festivals can play a role in promoting social inclusion and the importance of the social dimension when considering applications for financial support for cultural festivals. The selected cities are top five in a ranking of the cultural vitality of Romanian cities, published in 2022, which shows a very high polarity at a territorial level, with a concentration in the central part of the country. Thus, we investigated which public policy objectives festivals are associated with and to what extent the social dimension is relevant for obtaining financial support. The results showed that the link between culture and social inclusion is insufficiently explored in terms of how public authorities could encourage greater social inclusion through public policies supporting festivals.