Local Public Research Articles

Sustainability of Local Public Finances from the Perspective of Territorial Disparities in the Rural Areas of Romania

The sustainability of local public finances is of general interest in the context of the socio-economic transformations of recent decades. In former communist countries such as Romania, where there has been no real reform of local government, this interest is heightened by the strong disparities between administrative units that have adapted to the new context and those that, for various reasons, have become dependent on government subsidies to be able to function. Using information derived from the budget execution for 2019–2023 at the level of the administrative units in rural areas, this study analyzes the structure of income and expenditure budgets. The territorial disparities are demonstrated by typological analyses showing strong regionalization, with a well-defined income or expenditure structure profile. In the same sense, multivariate analysis which uses a series of illustrative demographic and socio-economic profiles as explanatory variables shows significant correlations with the structure of local budgets. It is thus possible to distinguish certain regional patterns, depending on the level of development, geographical position, or quality of infrastructure. The study results demonstrate the need for genuine administrative reform to reduce the dependence of local budgets on subsidies and increase their self-sustainability, especially in rural areas.

Measles cluster in Northern Portugal: enhancing surveillance strengths

Abstract Although measles was declared eliminated in Portugal in 2015, outbreaks persist, despite high vaccination coverage. The last outbreak in the northern region was in 2017. Portugal has a Surveillance System implemented for mandatory communicable diseases (SINAVE) integrating clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data. In 2021, WHO expressed concern about the low sensitivity of measles surveillance and urged Portugal to strengthen its surveillance practices. Our study aims to describe a measles cluster in northern Portugal during the first trimester of 2024. Data from measles cases from the first trimester of 2024 were collected from SINAVE. Contact tracing and Public Health (PH) intervention data was sent by Local Public Health Authorities through a survey designed for that purpose. A total of 70 suspected cases were reported and investigated: 6 cases were laboratory confirmed and 64 were discarded. The confirmed cases had a mean age of 28 years (all adults), with 50% female. The mean notification time was 0,3 days. The index case was imported (Mauritania) and unvaccinated, leading to 2 secondary cases. Five cases had 2 doses of a measles vaccine, with 1 case being a health professional. Additionally, 1 case was imported from France. For 2 cases the source of infection could not be unequivocally identified and no travel history during incubation period. A total of 851 contacts of confirmed cases were identified. Although sustainable transmission is not evident in our region, measles is being introduced through migration and tourism. Despite clinical awareness, strengthening early case detection is essential to enforce effective control measures. PH teams have been working tirelessly to trace clusters origins, gathering large number of contacts and adapting strategies for sustained control. In a globalized world, ensuring surveillance sensitivity is paramount. Integrating other data sources in surveillance routine is crucial for upholding Measles-Free Status compliance. Key messages • Measles must take centre stage on our agenda. • Reinforcing surveillance, integrating additional data sources, is crucial for heightened sensitivity and prompt response.

Measles outbreak under the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy

Abstract Background Measles cases in Italy (58,9 mln population) were 8 in 2021, 15 in 2022 and 43 in 2023. Between January and April 2024 there were 213 cases in Italy, with higher incidence in children. Pisa Local Public Health Department (201073 population) experienced a measles outbreak in the same period. Methods Cases were classified according to Decision (EU) 2018/945. A bidirectional tracing (backward and forward) was conducted to identify transmission chain and contacts of cases. Immunization status was checked on Regional Vaccination Registry. Results 33 suspected measles cases were notified in Pisa between 21st January and 17th April 2024: 16 by General Practitioners and 17 by Hospital Emergency Room. Additionally, 1 undiagnosed case was found during the epidemiological investigation. 2 notifications were withdrawn by General Practitioner because of lack of the diagnostic criteria. Laboratory analysis confirmed 24 cases. Last confirmed case occurred on 23rd February, while not confirmed cases occurred mostly in the last part of the period (6 in a row from 3rd March to 17th April), suggesting an infodemic effect. Women were more affected than men (17 vs. 7). Except for 2 babies (9 months and 1 year old age), the outbreak affected young adults with a mean age of 40 yo. Hospitalization rate was 37,5%. The first 5 unrelated cases occurred between 19th and 21st January. A second wave involved 13 people, 12 of them were related to a single case. Transmission occurred in Emergency Room (7), in a mall (1) and in the neighborhood (4). A third wave involved 4 cases (family contacts). 2 cases were imported from Sicily and Spain. All cases were unvaccinated, 2 were migrants. Around 950 contacts were traced. Conclusions In Pisa, high vaccination coverage of children < 2years of age (≥95%) protected school population and cases to spread, but there are pockets of unvaccinated adults which could allow measles circulation. Key messages • An effective public health response is required to contrast increasing measles cases in EU/EE countries. • As recommended by ECDC, public health services need to close immunity gaps, addressing catch-up actions towards adults and vulnerable groups as migrants.

Investigation of a Norovirus GII outbreak in a primary school in Portugal,2023

Abstract Background The onset of acute gastroenteritis cases among students in a primary school class on September 19, 2023, prompted an immediate response from the local Public Health unit. A collaborative effort was initiated to investigate and contain the outbreak. Methods Epidemiological questionnaires were distributed to 166 students and 8 staff members, defining cases as individuals exhibiting symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, or nausea between September 19th and September 24th, 2023. Additionally, stool samples were collected from three individuals. Results Out of 166 students and 8 staff members, 39 individuals met the case definition, resulting in attack rates of 22% (37/166) and 25% (2/8) among students and staff, respectively. Laboratory analysis confirmed two cases of Norovirus GII among the tested specimens, with five students requiring medical attention. Conclusions Our investigation underscores the significance of continuous epidemiological surveillance and swift implementation of infection control measures in school settings. The detection of Norovirus transmission emphasizes the necessity for rigorous adherence to infection control best practices. Our findings advocate for sustained technical support from public health authorities to prevent and manage similar outbreaks effectively. Key messages • Study on Norovirus outbreak in a primary school highlights the imperative of infection control measures, emphasizing the importance of ongoing support from public health authorities. • The Norovirus outbreak investigation underscores the vital role of surveillance and swift response in containing infectious diseases within educational settings safeguarding all.

Investigation of a Norovirus GII.4Sydney[P16] outbreak in a care facility in Portugal, 2022

Abstract Background On the 29th of April 2022 the local Public Health unit was notified of 12 cases of acute gastroenteritis in residents of a long-term care facility (LTCF). A joint epidemiological investigation team was established and initiated an outbreak investigation to characterize the outbreak and implement infection control measures. Methods Epidemiological questionnaires were administered to staff (n = 44) and residents (n = 60). Case definition was LTCF residents or staff members with at least one of the following symptoms: diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, between April 25th and May 14th, 2022. Stool or vomit samples were collected for 11 individuals. To assess environmental contamination fifteen food samples from previous meals and six surface samples from toilet faucets, wash tubs, and cutting boards were collected. Spatial distribution of cases within the LTCF was performed to guide infection control implementation. Results A total of 43 people met the case definition. Attack rates in residents and staff were 37% (23/63) and 42% (20/48), respectively. Of the total tested specimens, six (6/8) from residents and two (2/3) from staff were positive for the Norovirus (NoV) GII.4 Sydney [P16] variant by genotyping. Two (2/6) samples from surface swabs from the toilet faucet in the resident’s living room were also positive for NoV GII. Food samples were negative for major bacterial agents implicated in gastrointestinal outbreaks. Cases were distributed throughout the LTCF wards with no clear clustering. Four residents required hospital admission. Conclusions Results suggest person-to-person as well as environmental transmission of NoV. Identification of behavioural and spatial patterns of residents and staff and subsequent enactment of infection control strategies mitigated the outbreak. These findings reinforce the need for public health to maintain continuous technical support to LTCF on the implementation of infection control best practices. Key messages • Outbreak investigation in LTCF confirms Norovirus transmission, emphasizing the importance of infection control measures in long-term care facilities. • Study reveals Norovirus outbreak in LTCF, underscores the role of person-to-person and environmental transmission, highlighting the need for robust infection control protocols.

An After-Action Review at Municipal Level in the Public Health Service - Lessons Learned at the Corona Unit of the Duesseldorf Public Health Authority after the end of the Covid-19 Pandemic, March 2023

After-Action Reviews (AARs) represent structured, qualitative evaluations of crisis interventions. Here, we describe the implementation of an AAR to assess the Corona Unit of the Duesseldorf Health Department. We employed an after-action review (AAR) using the working group format supplemented by structured interviews with key personnel. Our approach was guided by the guidelines for AARs provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Participants identified nine relevant challenges with potential for improvement in three categories: (I) challenges in recruiting requested personnel, (II) overarching coordination issues, and (III) frequent relocations. Participants proposed solutions for these challenges: (I) 1. Routine cross-agency inquiries for voluntarily available personnel, 2. consideration of resources from municipal subsidiaries and involvement of personnel with leadership experience from other departments, 3. Better coordination of deployment and onboarding, 4. proposal for early communication regarding different compensation regulations, (II) 5. establishment of an overarching coordination authority for the crisis unit, 6. clearer delineation of responsibilities within the crisis unit with explicit job profiles, 7. establishment of a shared working platform, and 8. creation of a central dashboard for generating all situation reports. Additionally, they identified (III) 9. a facility for housing a crisis unit in case of an emergency. This study represents one of the first applications of an AAR for evaluating crisis structures at the level of a local Public Health Authority (LPHA) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some of the identified challenges are specific to Duesseldorf, many municipalities faced personnel recruitment and coordination challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Municipal crisis plans can be reviewed and adjusted concerning the identified challenges. Sharing evaluation results among LPHA stakeholders can contribute to strengthening crisis structures in the long term.

Strengthening Resilience: Social Responsibility and Citizen Participation in Local Governance

The concept of resilience has gained significant prominence across various disciplines, particularly in the context of regional development. Specifically, the Social Responsibility of Local Public Administrations (SRLPA) may play a significant role in fostering resilient territories. This study proposes a second-order model utilizing Structural Equation Modeling—Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to investigate the complex relationships between the SRLPA and citizen participation in municipal affairs. The proposed model comprises six dimensions for the SRLPA: good governance values, efficiency, transparency, economic issues, environmental concerns, and socio-labor matters. One of the primary contributions of this study is the development and operationalization of a scale designed to measure the construct of the SRLPA. Additionally, empirical analysis shows that the relationship between the SRLPA and citizen participation is indirect. Instead, SRLPA exerts its influence through two mediating variables: citizen connection with the municipality and the perceived bond with the local government. The findings suggest that to positively impact citizen participation, the SRLPA must strengthen relationships with citizens, thereby enhancing their engagement in municipal affairs.

Financial Management of the Regional Public Service Agency at Puskesmas in Sumbawa District

The Local Public Service Agency is part of the local government unit, with a legal status not separate from the local government, which has a flexible financial management pattern in the form of flexibility to apply fair business practices to improve and develop services, as an exception to the provisions of financial management in general. The flexibility of financial management includes revenue and expenditure management, cash management, debt management, tariff determination, employee procurement, procurement of goods and services, and investment management. The pattern of flexible financial management still refers to the regulations that have been set, namely the Sumbawa Regent Regulation Number 5-year 2020 concerning guidelines for financial management of the regional public service agencies within the Sumbawa government. Regulations or policies that have been established by the Sumbawa Regency government to be implemented and adhered to in implementing BLUD financial management policies at Puskesmas are expected to improve and develop health services with transparency and accountability. Based on the description, the research problem is how far is the financial management of the Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD) at Puskesmas in the Sumbawa Regency region based on the Sumbawa Regent Regulation Number 5 of 2020 concerning guidelines for financial management of regional public service agencies within the scope of the Sumbawa Regency. Researchers used a qualitative descriptive method approach using interview and observation tools to collect data both directly and through document review. The data obtained were analyzed using Likert scale categorization, which consists of Very Good, Good, and Less Good. The findings of the research provided an overview that public policy evaluation is closely related to the level of compliance and readiness of Human Resources in conducting the financial management of the Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD) at Puskesmas in Sumbawa. The results of this study can complement Wiliam Dunn’s opinion or theory on public policy evaluation to emphasize the level of compliance and readiness of Human Resources in conducting public policy evaluations, which not only focus on the values and objectives but also the targets of a policy. Keywords: regional public service agency, policy evaluation, financial management

Towards full electrification of local public transport: A tool to guide strategies for implementing the electric charging network

This paper describes a methodology and a Decision Support Tool (DST) for the assessment of the impacts of future scenarios of public electric mobility on the electric Distribution Network (DN) of a city, aimed to support the implementation strategies of the electric charging network for the Local Public Transport (LPT).The objective of the proposed tool is supporting the decision makers in estimating the effect of the future development of electromobility on the urban electric grid considering the evolution of both electric buses and their charging infrastructure.Some scenarios for the development of electric charging infrastructure for LPT were identified together with the local public transport operator and the energy provider. The results, which are of interest to both the local Public Transport Operator (PTO) and the local Distribution System Operator (DSO), have been quantified for the city of Turin (Italy), but the methodology can be adopted in any urban context: DSOs and PTOs of each city can use the proposed tool as a support to define their public transport electrification strategies.Some results from the case study examined in this paper (Turin, Italy) show that the energy demand related to the electrification of LPT on a typical weekday is about 45 MWh in 2030 (corresponding to 40 % e-bus), and about 90 MWh when the entire bus fleet is electric. It is also shown how more distributed recharging during the day (with intermediate recharging at the terminus) can dampen the energy/power peaks required at the depot compared to overnight recharging alone: a reduction of up to 27 % of energy demand at the depot is observed due to opportunity charging.

European Trends in Local Public Administration: Adapting to Globalization

The trend of globalization, accompanied by the dynamic development of social systems, places national states in a completely new position, in which institutions and administrative systems must be adapted. Any intervention in the field of public administration reform implies changes in major components, including central administration, local administration and public services. On the other hand, the development of democracy calls for the establishment of a new relationship between citizens and the administration, increasing and strengthening the role of local authorities and reconsidering the partnership with civil society. There are numerous reasons for the structural and functional modernization of the public administration in Romania, starting from the need for more efficient functioning of government institutions to the aspiration to become a member of the European Union. The present study aims to address these aspects, taking into account the impact of the reform measures at the public administration level that have been undertaken recently. Through the coherent and continuous development of the decentralization process in the next period, we will be able to witness the increase in the quality and efficiency of public services, and local administrations will respond to the demands of citizens and local development in an improved way. Keywords: development, Europe, municipalities, public administration

Mоdel for Analysis and Evaluation of Sustainable Cities in Bulgaria in the Context of Local Public Policy Appliance

Mоdel for Analysis and Evaluation of Sustainable Cities in Bulgaria in the Context of Local Public Policy Appliance

Managing Social Equity: Insights from Local Public Managers

Since its genesis in public administration, social equity has framed the field’s discussions of fairness in governance and management. Here we explore how local public managers conceptualize and operationalize social equity as a public value in the communities they lead. Based on in-depth interviews with 23 local government leaders, we find that these managers often define social equity in ways that emphasize procedural fairness. In addition, while social equity was a priority among the public managers, several expressed that they often face resistance from their elected officials when attempting to prioritize equity.

Using System Dynamics for Local Authority Public Health practice in England

A key function of local authority public health teams in England is to undertake a regular health needs assessment of their population. This involves forecasting, among other things, prevalence and incidence of long term conditions and health care service demand. Over the last few years, Kent County Council Public Health has adopted the use of system dynamics modelling (SDM) to not only do this but generate scenarios to simulate the impact of different interventions across different cohorts defined by age groups and diagnosable conditions. These include “no conditions” as well as understand the combined effects of different interventions, demographic changes and wider health determinants. Risk factors, such as smoking, diet and physical activity, were calculated using local linked data for the incidence of single conditions, progression toward complex needs and levels of morbidity including frailty. These were used to create the dynamics of the model. Incidence, prevalence and mortality for each cohort were projected over 25 years with “do nothing” and “Better Health” scenarios. The size of the “no conditions” cohort increased, and the other cohorts decreased in size. The impact of the interventions on life expectancy at birth and healthy life expectancy was significant. SDM heavily influenced local authority commissioning decisions for health improvement services redesign such as smoking cessation, weight management as well as other secondary prevention measures such as hypertension management and cardiovascular disease screening delivered by General Practice and other health service partners.

Local Public Health Strategies for Addressing Social Determinants of Health-Analysis of Recent Community Health Improvement Plans.

The Public Health 3.0 (PH3.0) framework encourages local health departments (LHDs) to address the social determinants of health (SDOHs) that impact health equity. This study sought to understand how often LHDs are working to address SDOH, which SDOHs are most often being addressed, as well as the mix of strategies that have been proposed to address this work. We reviewed recent Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs) to analyze the current involvement of LHDs in addressing SDOH. CHIPs published from 2020. Accredited LHDs from across the United States (n=80). We developed a qualitative guidebook to characterize CHIP strategies based on the SDOH domain they addressed and the strategic mechanism they proposed. Across our entire sample, CHIPs were roughly 1.5 times more likely to address Health Care Access than Food Insecurity and Access to Healthy Food (65%), Neighborhood Infrastructure (61%), or Affordable Housing (65%), and they were 3 to 4 times more likely to address Health Care Access than Safe Housing (23%), Education Access and Quality (31%), or Economic Stability (24%). Across all major domains, a few concerned policy changes and a handful focused on improving systems or developing the built environment. Most strategies focused on service provision through events or the education of the public and professionals on health-related topics. The results of this study demonstrate that not all SDOHs are addressed equally by LHDs within their CHIPs. There is significant variation in how SDOHs are addressed along at 2 dimensions: first, in the likelihood that a CHIP addresses the domain and, second, in the mechanism by which each domain is addressed. Practically, the list of strategies we documented from the 80 CHIPs included in our sample may serve as the basis for strategies that other communities may wish to consider when addressing SDOH.

공공재정 부정이익환수제도에 관한 고찰

The Public Finance Recovery Act was enacted in April 2019 in addition to the disciplinary surcharge system for public officials under the National Public Officials Act and the Local Public Officials Act as subsidies, R&D expenses, allowances, etc. of the state, local governments, and public organizations continue to make false claims and excessive claims. In order to prohibit public financial fraudulent claims and to recover the full amount of fraudulent income, which is unearned income, a sanction surcharge of up to five times is imposed and recovered in consideration of the intention and habitability of fraudulent claims. In this paper, after examining the concept, scope, and legal nature of public finance fraud recovery, we examine the Improper Payment lnfonnation Act of 2002, the False Claims Act, the Federal Improper Payments Coordination Act of 2015, and the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 in the United States, and the Subsidy Appropriation Act of Japan to seek implications for Korea In addition, we examine legal issues related to the systematization of pre- and post-systems to reduce fraudulent profits in public finance payments, securing the effectiveness of the whistleblowing system for public finance subsidy recovery, and activating the anonymous proxy reporting system, and suggest improvement measures to enhance the effectiveness of the Public Finance Recovery Act. Before recovering the illicit profits of public finance payments, relevant administrative agencies and public institutions should actively operate programs to strengthen the risk assessment and eligibility review of illicit payments, and after disbursing public finance support funds, they should strictly conduct an audit by an external auditor independent of the administrative agency and public institution to prevent illicit receipt of public finance support funds, and the results of the audit should be posted on the website of the relevant administrative agency to enhance transparency. In addition, in order to eradicate the negative organizational culture toward whistleblowers and the secret receipt of public finance support funds in Korea, whistleblowers should be allowed to file a U.S.-style qui tarn lawsuit only in cases where they make false claims to administrative agencies or public institutions. However, if the relevant administrative agency or public institution allows intervention in the lawsuit and recovers the illicit profits of public finance funds, they should be compensated 35% of the recovered amount to the whistleblower. Given the nature of fraudulent receipt of public financial support funds, the regional National Human Rights Commission's anonymous proxy reporting advisory group should be expanded in a balanced manner to ensure that the anonymous proxy reporting system is activated, and the anonymity of internal reporters should be guaranteed.

Local Public Policies in the Field of Sports: A Systematic Review of the Literature from the SDG

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate public policies on sports at the local level, with the aim of highlighting the importance of sports as a tool for social development, inclusion, and community well-being. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a systematic review of the literature. The study design followed the PRISMA guidelines and included an analysis of articles found in the Web of Sciences, Scopus, Wiley, and EBSCO databases. Data collection was carried out through the compilation and analysis of key studies, focusing on trends, approaches, and challenges in research on state intervention in local sports. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed significant trends in the importance of sports as a tool for social development, inclusion, and community well-being. The review identified various approaches and challenges present in the research on state intervention in local sports. Specifically, the studies conducted in Latin American contexts provided a critical and regional perspective on the subject. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of local sports policies. These implications could encompass the enhancement of social inclusion, the promotion of community well-being, and the development of effective public policies on sports. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines, highlighting the originality of the research through its comprehensive analysis of key studies. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its critical and regional perspective on public policies on sports in Latin America, offering new discoveries and practical contributions that may impact the area of study or professional practice. The systematic analysis identifies areas of opportunity and gaps in current research, providing a solid foundation for future studies in the field of local sports policies.

Assessing Local Public Health Governance in North Carolina Across Organizational and Governance Configurations.

Every county in North Carolina must include a board of health (BOH) with specific prescribed duties and powers. It is unclear how BOHs in North Carolina are currently exercising their governance ability. In 2012, the North Carolina General Assembly provided coun-ties with additional flexibility to select among different configurations for their local health department (LHD). The impact of this flexibility on the governance and service delivery of LHDs is yet to be explored. We conducted semi-structured interviews with LHD directors and BOH members to assess the strengths and weaknesses of BOHs within different local public health configurations across North Carolina. We employed conventional content analysis to derive themes from the interview transcripts. BOHs were largely described as an underutilized institution, with few BOHs noted to be active beyond satisfying their required legal duties. Strong BOHs were noted to fulfill three identities on behalf of the LHD: an advocate, a bridge, and an advisor. The majority of interviewees desired to work in a standalone county health department (as opposed to a consolidated human services agency) with an appointed (versus elected) board of health. This configuration was preferred because, according to participants, it is more likely to enable a structural focus on public health initiatives. Our sample frame did not control for the length of time an interviewee had been in the office nor the professional background of each BOH member. Wide variations exist in the exercise of BOHs across the state, partially due to how different LHD configurations structurally focus resources and attention on public health.

A Journey Through the History and Statistics of ArASNews

A review of ArAS Electronic Newsletter ArASNews (e-newsletter of the Armenian Astronomical Society – ArAS) is given. ArASNews has been published since 2002 and during these years it has largely contributed to the circulation of information among the Armenian astronomical community, as well as other astronomical societies and organizations. It is being distributed monthly to all ArAS members. ArASNews publishes informative materials on ArAS, Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO), and Armenian astronomy in general, reports on ArAS Annual Meetings and other astronomy-related events in Armenia, participation of the Armenian astronomers in important international meetings. Additionally, it features articles commemorating notable Armenian astronomers, announcements of new ArAS members, and discussions on various astronomical topics including archaeoastronomy and public outreach initiatives, acceptance of new ArAS members, achievements of the Armenian astronomers, ArAS Annual Prizes for Young Astronomers and other international and local prizes, Astronomical Education and Public Outreach in Armenia, Armenian Archaeoastronomy, as well as scientific articles (reviews) on important studies. We will give some statistics on the number of published articles and pages, the distribution of articles by topics, and more. ArASNews’ numerous useful articles may be accessed through its Reference List.

Expectation of the Communication Mechanism and its Gap in Public Administration: Approaches to Communication between Local Government and Public

Background: The gap in public administration is exacerbated by ineffective communication, limiting accessibility, and hindering underrepresented groups. Conventional methods like press releases and meetings may not always effectively involve the public. Innovative participatory communication techniques can improve governance quality, strengthen constituent ties, and increase openness. This study examines local government communication methods with the public, revealing expectations for transparency, openness, and participation, identifying communication gaps, and exploring effective strategies for public-government communication. Methods: The study utilized a mixed-methods approach, involving 315 citizens, plus 6 staff, elected members, and local intellectuals in Ward No. 10 of Budhanilkantha municipality, using surveys and interviews. Results: While digital technology usage is moderate to high, fulfillment of public expectations for local government communication mechanisms was negative, with over 60% rating them negatively and 77.4% believing they were political. A majority of respondents (76.2%) received information from local governments or ward offices through social media, followed by man-to-man communication (54.6%) and mass media (52.7%). Ineffective communication can hinder citizen participation and challenge older adults and uneducated individuals. Key elements of successful communication include accuracy, efficiency, resourcefulness, immediate news flow, and technology use. Public recommendations include online feedback platforms, local government employees, and community outreach programs. Conclusion: The public expects open communication, digital tools, transparency, and freedom of politics. To foster trust and engage the public, frequent meetings, online discussions, local personnel recruiting, community outreach, trust development, and customized interaction are necessary. Novelty: The study could provide insights into a new approach to public-local government communication, emphasizing transparency, community concerns, and collaboration.

Challenges and Opportunities for Participatory Evaluation of Local Public Health Efforts to Address Structural Racism and Advance Health Equity

This report describes the process of conducting a participatory evaluation of a local public health department and community partners’ joint efforts to address structural racism and advance health equity in Chicago, Illinois. The participatory evaluation is guided by a multi-partner advisory group composed of academic researchers and research assistants at a local public university; leadership and frontline staff at the local public health department; and individuals employed through local community-based organizations. This report details three key action points in the participatory evaluation process, highlighting the challenges and opportunities that arise while evaluating health equity interventions aimed at institutional and structural change. Insights gleaned from this process can inform ongoing and future participatory evaluation efforts and contribute to the establishment of best practices for partnering across institutions to reshape systems and power relationships to advance health equity.