Municipal Council Research Articles

The social gradient in institutional trust from 2011–2019 in the general population in Norway

Abstract Background Trust is described as the glue of healthy societies. Although Norway is among the countries with the highest levels of trust in public institutions, the increasing socioeconomic differences observed may threaten levels of institutional trust. Therefore, we aimed to investigate such differences in the general population between 2011 and 2019. Methods A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted using data on the general population in Østfold county from 2011 (N = 16673) and 2019 (N = 15935). Differences in trust toward five public institutions (healthcare system, school system, labour and welfare administration (NAV), police, and municipal council) by educational level were investigated with Chi-square tests. Logbinomial regression analyses were used to examine potential changes in high trust over time. Gender and age were included in the analyses as control variables. Results A relatively high proportion of the general population reported high levels of trust to the health care system (2011: 71%; 2019:80%), police (2011: 73%; 2019:77%), and the school system (2011: 64%; 2019:66%), whereas a lower proportion reported high levels of trust to NAV (2011: 37%; 2019:41%) and the municipal council (2011: 45%; 2019:36%). Both in 2011 and 2019 a clear social gradient in institutional trust was found for all institutions (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in the level of trust in the health care system (low education:RR=1,10; middle:RR=1,12; high:RR=1.06) and a significant decrease in trust in the community council (low:RR=0,77; middle:RR=0,80; high:RR=0,83) in all educational groups from 2011 to 2019. The level of trust in NAV increased significantly in the highest education groups, while a non-significant decrease was shown in the low educational group. Conclusions The persisting social gradient in institutional trust is worrying as trust is an important factor in ensuring inclusion, social capital, democracy, and health and wellbeing. Key messages • Institutional trust is an important factor in ensuring inclusion, social capital, democracy, and health and wellbeing. • The lower levels of institutional trust found in low educational groups could be of particular concern as these groups might be more dependent on the different parts of the welfare system.

The Role of Trade Officers in Enhancing Local Revenue Collection in Mpanda Municipal Council

The persistent under-collection of local revenues in Mpanda Municipal Council undermines the council's financial autonomy and leads to continued reliance on central government funding. This study aimed to evaluate the role of Local Government Authority (LGA) trade officers in revenue collection as a strategic initiative to diminish this dependency. To address this issue, the study employed a convergent mixed-method design rooted in pragmatism, allowing for the integration of qualitative and quantitative data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing revenue collection. The research involved a population of 75 individuals, including personnel from the trade and industry unit, collectors, revenue officials, and business owners within the district council. A sample of 63 respondents participated in the study, with 46 responding to questionnaires and 17 business owners interviewed. Data were gathered through a combination of these methods, analyzed to capture both numerical trends and in-depth perspectives. The findings underscore the critical importance of strategic revenue management practices, well-informed trade officers, and effective revenue supervision in reducing reliance on central government funding. These insights bear significant implications for policymakers and local government officials aspiring to bolster financial self-sufficiency and ensure sustainable fiscal governance in Mpanda Municipal Council. To address these challenges, the study recommends a focus on comprehensive training and capacity-building programs for trade officers to enable them to autonomously manage revenue collection processes.

Assessing the Factors for the Effectiveness of the Task Force Staff in Revenue Collection in Tanzania Local Governments Authorities

Recurring challenges in revenue collection and the insufficient revenue collection is pervasive, affecting the financial viability within Tanzania Local Government Authorities (LGAs) prompted this study with a focus on Mpanda Municipal Council. The aim is to assess key factors such as staff training, resource allocation, and community engagement that impact efficiency of task force staff operations. Mpanda Municipal Council was chosen due to its recurring challenges in meeting revenue collection targets and its strategic importance as a rapidly growing municipality with increasing fiscal demands. The study is grounded in both Agency Theory (AT), TAPACO and Resource-Based Theory (RBT). Agency Theory emphasizes the relationship between principals (local governments) and agents (task force staff) in ensuring that revenue collection objectives are aligned, while Resource-Based Theory highlights the importance of internal resources both tangible and intangible in achieving organizational effectiveness. Adopting a pragmatist research philosophy, the study used a convergent mixed-method research design, combining both qualitative and quantitative data to provide a holistic understanding of the research problem. Pragmatism guided the choice of methods, focusing on practical solutions and actionable outcomes. The quantitative data were analyzed using Ordinal Logistic Regression (OLR), which revealed that all independent variables significantly impact revenue collection effectiveness. A population of 75 people with a sample of 63 participants, comprising 46 respondents completed questionnaires while 17 business owners participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used in case of qualitative data. The findings reveal that targeted training programs, adequate resources, and active community engagement significantly enhance the effectiveness of task force staff in revenue collection. The study concludes that improving these areas will result in better revenue generation and financial stability for local governments. It is recommended that local governments increase investment in training, adopt modern technologies, and foster stronger community engagement to reduce reliance on central government funding.

The Level of Accessibility of e-Feedback System Technology among Citizens of Temeke Municipal Council in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

The study sought to investigate effectiveness of e-feedback system among citizens of Temeke Municipal Council in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The specific objectives of the study were to evaluate level of accessibility of e-feedback system technology among citizens of Temeke Municipal Council, to assess the level of digital skills and its influence on e-feedback system usage among citizens of Temeke Municipal and to assess the level of motivation and its influence on the usage of e-feedback system among citizens of Temeke Municipal. The study was guided by decomposed theory of planned behaviour while conceptual framework was developed to indicate the relationship between independent variables and dependent variable. The study used explanatory research design while simple random sampling technique was used to select members of sample size who were 133 respondents from the target population of 199 people. Data were collected through questionnaire while data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple regression analysis with the aid of SPSS. The study found that there is low level accessibility of e-feedback system technology among citizens of Temeke Municipal Council since most of the citizens are not aware of the existence of the system while level of digital skills on e-feedback system among citizens of Temeke Municipality is low. The study concluded that to a large extent there is low usage of e-feedback system due to the low-level awareness of the existence of the system. It is recommended that the management of the organisation should conduct widespread public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the existence and benefits of the e-feedback system at large.

Assessment of the Local Strategies Used in Abating Flash Floods for Improvement of Community Livelihoods in Nyamwamba and Bulembia Divisions, Kasese District, Uganda

Floods are intricate events that cause a range of human exposures, including loss of lives, property, and damage to infrastructure of the communities. Flash floods though often blamed on inappropriate development planning and climate variability, floods can be predicted to a reasonable extent, whose scale and nature are often less certain. The study aims at assessing the local strategies used in abating flash floods for improvement of community livelihoods. Specifically, the study explored the challenges the local communities faced during the implementation of the strategies, and also determined the relationship that emanated as a result of implementing the local strategies and community livelihoods. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data from 218 respondents and 08 Key Informants that held key responsibilities at the Municipal Council and the community. Information from the respondents and Key Informants were collected using questionnaires which was in form of interviews and face to face interviews respectively. The study shows that some local strategies have been implemented towards controlling flash floods such as, restoration of river banks (69.3%) planting bamboo trees along river banks (66%), use of gabions (65.6%), putting check dams (65.6%) and construction of manmade channels (95.9%) along the hillsides. Putting flood barriers (73%) that floods affect the community livelihoods in various aspects of daily life and the local economy in terms damage of crops (74.8%) risk of diseases (83 %) loss of livestock (60 %), displacement (93%); The challenges faced in implementation of the of local strategies in the study area include financial constraints (81.2%), technical and logistical issues (63%), poor infrastructural design (83.9%), and environmental challenges (66%). A Chi square test showed that the implemented local strategies were significantly related to the community livelihood at P=0.001. Implemented local flood strategies resulted to a positive relationship to the agricultural productivity and protected community property at P<0.05. Overall, effective flood management strategies are able to reduce risks and contribute to a better community health with fewer disruptions to community’s daily life at P<0.05. Local communities should adopt and implement the use of the mentioned local strategies like re-channeling of water pathways along the hill sides and use of gabions for flash floods mitigation since they cost effective. There should be a country-wide implementation of community-initiated mitigation measures for abating flash floods and related climate change disruptions aimed at building and promoting community resilience and livelihoods of people living in flood prone areas.

Promotion of good governance within local government: a case of municipal public accounts committee in South Africa

The aim of this article was to explore the role of Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) in promoting good governance, with the contextual setting being Blouberg Local Municipality. There is general consensus among academics, practitioners and policy makers alike in South Africa that the allocation of functions and responsibilities of municipal council and that of executives are often not clear, thus creating confusion in the officialdom and weakening oversight structures including MPAC. Hence the qualified audit reports in four consecutive years in Blouberg Municipality (see Auditor General, 2016-2021), signals internal failure not only to improve the municipal financial health status but to promote good governance generally. Methodologically, the study adopted qualitative designs and used interviews as instrument to collect data from key members of the committee. Consequently, the study revealed many underlying weaknesses, but the critical one was the demonstrable poor capacity within the committee which is twofold; (1) lack of expertise to facilitate oversight and (2) insufficient budget to enable performance of the Committee. Essentially, these challenges affect the proper functioning of MPAC which is constitutionally bestowed the responsibility of holding the executive accountable and guard against any misappropriation of municipal funds. The study recommended a number of solutions to improve the state of MPAC in the municipality, amongst them were that, council should develop an integrated reporting mechanism framework to conduct an oversight role which can be done with the assistance from experts in governance. The committee’s programme of action must also be funded, sufficiently.

Investigation of the Current Internal Audit Processes and Procedures within Morogoro Municipal Council

This study focused on investigating the current internal audit processes and procedures within Morogoro Municipal Council. A descriptive research design and quantitative approach were utilized, targeting Morogoro Municipal Council staff and internal auditors with a sample size of 74 respondents selected via simple random and purposive sampling methods, respectively. Data was gathered through questionnaires for staff and interviews for auditors, supplemented by secondary data from relevant documents. While most respondents agree that the internal audit processes are well-documented, effectively communicated, and robust enough to address risks, there are concerns about adherence, resource adequacy, and the independence of the audit function. To improve effectiveness, it is recommended that the Council enhance adherence to procedures, allocate adequate resources, strengthen the independence of the audit function, and ensure regular updates to audit procedures. These steps will better support governance, accountability, and overall organizational efficiency.

Assessment on the Current Market Positioning Strategies Employed by Small and Medium Enterprises in Morogoro Municipal Council

Assessment on the Current Market Positioning Strategies Employed by Small and Medium Enterprises in Morogoro Municipal Council

Navigating the Challenges of Primary Health Care in Selected Local Government Authorities in Tanzania: Bringing Lipsky’s Theory in Its Requisite Panorama

Introduction The robust delivery of primary health care (PHC) service is a complex interplay of key stakeholders, including policymakers, citizens, the government, parliamentarians, academics, and street-level bureaucrats - health staff in this context. While each of these players has a stake in ensuring robust PHC delivery, this paper specifically examines the role of street-level bureaucrats (SLBs) in dealing with service delivery challenges in Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania. Although the engagement with these actors gained momentum in the decentralization reforms of the 1990s, their contribution has been slow. The question remains: How can SLBs cope with LGAs’ predicaments to enhance service delivery? Lipsky’s (1980) theory focuses on this contention by proposing that under challenging encounters, SLBs can develop specific patterns of practices to deal with the status quo. Methods Data were collected through interviews with policymakers at Mvomero District and Moshi Municipal Councils. To assess the effectiveness of primary health care services attributes such as authority, accountability, and access were closely examined. A thematic review of the literature was conducted to corroborate the findings from the interviews. Results The findings indicate that SLBs can cope with complex and challenging situations related to PHC delivery by rationing resources, simplifying their work environment, or exiting from turbulent environments. Although the engagement of SLBs gained momentum during the decentralization reforms of the 1990s, their contribution has been slow. The primary factor hindering their effectiveness is the inability to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between the Central Government and LGAs. Conclusion The government's attempts to control SLBs' behaviors, including limiting their intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, undermine their client responsiveness. Empowering SLBs and fostering a more collaborative relationship between the central government and LGAs is essential to enhance PHC delivery.

Factors Influencing Employee Job Commitment in the Public Sector: A Case Study of Temeke Municipal Council, Tanzania

The study aims to assess the factors influencing employee Job commitment Case study Temeke Municipal Council, Tanzania. The main objective was to examine factors which influence employees Job commitment at work place in public sector Temeke Municipal. The specific objectives were to examine the relationship between communication practices within public sector, to examine various leadership styles within public sector organizations, to analyse the association between job satisfaction levels among public sector employees, to investigate the role of employee engagement initiatives in influencing job commitment within public sector organization. This research was guided by Social Exchange Theory and Agency Theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design and a quantitative approach. Data was collected structured questionnaires from a purposive sample of 50 and descriptively analyzed. The study found that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors significantly influence employee job commitment at Temeke Council. Key findings revealed that effective communication practices, transformational leadership styles, high job satisfaction, and robust employee engagement initiatives are positively correlated with increased job commitment. Employees who experienced clear and frequent communication, recognized and supportive leadership and opportunities for professional growth reported higher levels of engagement and loyalty to the organization. The study concludes that retaining and enhancing employee’s commitment relies on deliberate efforts of the management to improve job satisfaction, quality selection of leadership styles, communication practices as well as employee’s engagement. The study recommends the management of Temeke Municipal Council to invest in leadership development programs to enhance managers' skills in communication, conflict resolution, and team building. Effective leadership is crucial for fostering a supportive and motivating work environment.

LOCAL RESIDENTS’ WILLINGNESS TO DONATE FOR LOW CARBON CITY INITIATIVES IN TAIPING, PERAK: PROPOSED E-BIKE-SHARING PROJECT

The transport sector in Malaysia ranked second in the country's total energy consumption for 2021, thereby contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Numerous cities strive to attain low-carbon urban environments. E-bikes, as environmentally friendly vehicles, have the potential to play a significant role in urban transportation by contributing to the creation of low-carbon cities. Taiping, Perak, has been recognised as one of the world's top 3 most sustainable cities for 2019. This prestigious accolade positions it as an ideal location for an e-bike project, further solidifying its commitment to maintaining its status as a sustainable city. This study seeks to evaluate the awareness and attitudes of Taiping residents towards e-bikes, determine the factors that influence their willingness to donate, and ascertain the average amount they are willing to contribute to the e-bike-sharing development project in Taiping, Perak. A survey was conducted with 385 respondents using the Contingent Valuation Method, employing stratified random sampling. The findings indicated a notable level of awareness and favourable attitudes towards e-bikes. Factors such as bid, age, education, income, and awareness impact the willingness to donate. On average, each person contributes RM10.40 towards the proposed e-bike-sharing project in Taiping. The discovery offered valuable insights to the Taiping Municipal Council regarding securing financial support and better understanding residents' perspectives on e-bike sharing.

Assessing the Degree of Technology Integration in Teaching among Public Schools Teachers in Abuja Municipal Council Area (AMAC)

Assessing the Degree of Technology Integration in Teaching among Public Schools Teachers in Abuja Municipal Council Area (AMAC)

Prevalence, symptomatology and factors associated with asthma in adolescents aged 13–14 years from rural Sri Lanka: an analytical cross-sectional study

BackgroundAsthma is the most common chronic disease affecting children. However, the epidemiology of asthma in adolescents from rural geographies is lacking.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in secondary schools located...

Diversity and Taxonomic Classification of Epiphytes in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

Epiphytes exist in the Federal Capital Territory communities but there is little or no information on their diversity and taxonomy. However, Federal Capital Territory is a treasure house of ethnic communities and some valuable plant species. One major gap across the Federal Capital Territory, is lack of formal record on the diversity and taxonomic classification of the epiphytes. The objective of this study is to collect and identify epiphytes present in the Federal capital Territory, determine species composition and abundance, and further identify the various plants used as hosts by the epiphytes. The greatness of epiphytes has enabled them to exploit a wide range of habitats including tropical and temperate woodlands, plantations and mangroves. In tropical canopies, epiphytes are remarkably diverse and show asynchronous phonological patterns at the community level. A reconnaissance survey of the study on diversity and taxonomic classification of epiphytes was carried out from November to December, 2021 in Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Eighteen study points were randomly selected from the administrative town and two settlements from each of the area council. The study sites were selected considering the dry riparian nature of the region, altitudinal ranges, notable presence of epiphytes diversity and recommendation from respondents. Data was collected by administering semi-structured questionnaires to 90 respondents for a single face-face interview. Epiphytic plants collected from the field were identified. Those that could not be identified were taken to the Biological Sciences Department, University of Abuja, for identification and documentation. The epiphytes were classified into eight (8) taxonomic groups namely; Polypodiophyta, Tracheophyta, Basidiomycota, Magnoliophyta, Ascomycota, Bryophyta, Marchantiophyta and Anthophyta while four (4) evolutionary taxonomic groups were identified. Based on their mode of life, some epiphytes were classified as Typical Epiphytes while others were Semi Epiphytes and Occasional Epiphytes. The study shows that different epiphytic plants occur in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, and they belong to various taxonomic groups. Epiphytes in the Federal Capital Territory, and their Taxonomic Groups, indicated that Nephrolepis bisserata (Sw.) Schott, Platycerium stemaria (P.Beauv.) Desv., Ficus benghalensis L., Ficus vogelii Miq., Elaeis guinensis Jacq., Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L., Ficus leprieurii (Miquel), Ficus lutea Vahl, Ficus thonningi Blume, Ficus exasperate Vahl., Ficus platyphylla Delile, Polyhandra longiflora L., Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler, Lycoperdon spadiceus Pers., Auricularia polytricha (Mont.) Sacc., Viburnum tinus L., Plagiothecium undulatum (Hedw. Schimp., Frullania dilatata (L.) Dumort., and Ficus aurea Nutt. occured in all the area councils of the FCT while Fomitopsis sp P.Karst., Entodon sp MÜll. Hal. and Funaria sp Hedw. were seen in Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje and Kwali area councils. Nephrolepis undulata (Afzel. Ex Sw.) J.Sm. occurred in Bwari, Kuje and Municipal area councils. Coprinus lagopus P.Karst., Daldinia concentrica (Bolton) Cesati and de Notaris, Entodontopsis nitens (Mitt.) W.R.Buck and Ireland, Syntrichia laevipila (Brid.) K.F.Schultz. occurred in Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Municipal area councils. Having studied the diversity and classification of epiphytes of the Federal Capital Territory, it is recommended that further research analysis be carried on the phytochemical constituents of some of these epiphytes to determine their major classes of compounds.

INFRASTRUCTURAL SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS PLAY CATALYTIC ROLE FOR GIG WORKERS OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY IN MUMBAI METROPOLITAN REGION

Gig work is increasing across all industries and sectors all over world after pandemic. In Mumbai, the gig workers of food and beverage industry are more as compared to other municipal corporations in Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The Ambernath municipal council has more gig workers as compared to Matheran Municipal Council. Rural parts of Vasai have less gig workers but Ambernath and Kalyan rural has more gig workers. Employment generated by the wholesale and retail trade, restaurant and hotel were more during 1990 ‘s in Mumbai city. But currently, this industry is growing very slow in terms of employment as compared to other industries and employment. The ordinary least square regression shows that gig workers of food and beverage industry are positively correlated to all municipal corporations in Mumbai Metropolitan Region but negatively correlated to Thane and Panvel rural area. Sewage and water supply is positively co-related to gig workers in Vasai Virar municipal corporation. Most of units in food and beverage unis are small and do not provide employment throughout year. The social security is not provided to most of the gig workers. Hygiene, regular pay scales, normal work hours, training is not provided to gig workers. Central and State government must draft rules and regulation for this sector with strict guidelines. It will improve the current economic status of gig workers and work environment in this industry.

Teachers’ Motivation in Enhancing Sustainable Management of School Projects: Case of Secondary Schools in Sumbawanga Municipality, Tanzania

The study on Teachers’ Motivation in Enhancing Sustainable Management of School Projects: Case of Secondary Schools in Sumbawanga Mincipality, Tanzania. The study aimed at examining the ways of teacher’s motivation on the sustainable management of the school projects in secondary schools. Specifically the study was conducted around by two specific objectives which were; firstly was to identify kinds of school projects implemented from 2017 up 2023 in Sumbawanga public secondary schools, and second was to propose ways of motivating teachers to enhance sustainability of school project management. The study based on ground of both research approaches which were qualitative and quantitative approaches. Hierarchy of Needs Theory by Abraham Maslow in 1954 was used to guide the study. The study took place in Rukwa region in Sumbawanga Municipal council. Twelve (12) public secondary schools were involved in the study. The sample size of the study was 234 whereby 12 of the respondents were heads of the school and 222 were ordinary teachers. Data from the respondents were collected using questionnaire, interview and observation. The obtained data were analyzed basing on both quantitative and qualitative information. Quantitative data were analyzed by percentage distribution and presented using table while qualitative data were analyzed by developing categories and subcategories. The findings of the study identified two major aspects that answer the purpose of the study firstly the finding revealed several implemented school projects for the period from 2017-2023 in Sumbawanga municipality; secondly, the findings indicate ways of teachers motivation that are needed to motivate teachers in order teachers to dedicate their effort in managing sustainably the school projects. Basing on the study findings, the study recommended that schools and government should motivate teachers not financially only but, recognition, team working and appreciation can also be used to motivate teachers, so that teachers can manage well the school projects for benefit of the current and future students.

COVID-19 vaccine confidence and its effect on vaccine uptake among people with hypertension or diabetes mellitus in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania

ABSTRACT COVID-19 vaccination effectively reduces disease severity, hospitalization, and mortality, particularly among individuals with chronic conditions who bear a disproportionate burden of disease complications. Vaccine confidence – belief in its safety, effectiveness, and importance – boosts uptake. However, limited data on vaccine confidence in this population hinders the development of targeted interventions. This study examined COVID-19 vaccine confidence and its impact on uptake among individuals with hypertension or diabetes mellitus in the Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2023 among 646 randomly selected adults aged ≥18 years with hypertension or diabetes mellitus in three districts of Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. An interviewer-administered electronic questionnaire assessed confidence and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in addition to related knowledge and demographic characteristics. Data analysis was done for 646 individuals who consented to participate. Multivariable logistic regression models determined the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine confidence and its effect on vaccine uptake. The proportion of COVID-19 vaccine confidence among all 646 participants was 70% and was highest for perceived vaccine importance (80%), followed by perceived vaccine effectiveness (77%) and perceived vaccine safety (74%). Good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines and living in the Mwanga municipal council (MC), a semi-urban district, was independently associated with confidence in the vaccines’ importance, safety, effectiveness, and overall COVID-19 vaccine confidence. Confidence in COVID-19 vaccines increased the odds of vaccine uptake. Targeted interventions to boost vaccine confidence are therefore essential to enhance vaccine uptake in this high-risk population.

Monopolization of Local Politics and its Institutional Alternatives: Focusing on Municipal Council Elections in South Korea

Monopolization of Local Politics and its Institutional Alternatives: Focusing on Municipal Council Elections in South Korea

Agenda-setting and policy leadership for municipal climate change adaptation

Climate change presents a pervasive global threat to billions of people as well as ecosystems. Global mitigation policy failures mean we must now urgently adapt to projected climate impacts. While local government is expected to play a vital role in climate change adaptation, major breakdowns are occurring in local governments’ ability to implement adaptation responses. Studies point to the importance of two key factors underpinning successful municipal climate change adaptation – supportive leadership and an authorising environment for adaptation. But few studies provide in-depth analysis of these factors and how they play out in practice. This paper reports the results of research addressing this knowledge gap, drawing on analysis of leadership in four Australian local governments (municipal councils). Twenty-five local government elected officials, executive leaders, and staff required to operationalise leaders’ decisions were interviewed. Interviews examined leaders’ role and influence in climate change adaptation and their receptiveness to mainstreaming. Results show that whether leaders consider climate risk on their policy agenda is highly variable and subject to factors such as: public mood and community expectations; issue salience; the presence of dedicated policy entrepreneurs to champion a response; and focusing events that heighten the urgency of adaptation. We identify three concrete opportunities to mainstream municipal climate adaptation responses: enhance issue salience within leaders; leverage networks of influence; and strengthen formal systems of municipal climate governance.

Trans-Local Climate Politics in Ordinary Cities: From Local Agenda 21 to Transition Towns to Climate Emergency Declarations

This article addresses the question of how ordinary cities, conceptualized here in a simplified way as peripheralized small and medium-sized cities, navigate (the complexities of) climate policy and planning. To do so, we elaborate on three temporal waves of trans-municipal environmental politics that have simultaneously shaped municipal climate politics in many places globally: (a) the Local Agenda 21, between 1992–2002; (b) the Transition Towns movement, between 2006 and 2015; and (c) recent climate emergency declarations, in place since 2016. Interestingly, the thousands of participating municipalities include not only the well-known frontrunners but also many small and medium-sized cities. Some have come into contact with climate and transformation issues for the first time, others have even been pioneers for much larger cities. However, the three waves also each have different characteristics in terms of underlying governance models, theory of change and scope of transition, role of planning and civil society, or output orientation. Through the combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, an overview of interlinkages between the three climate policy waves in German ordinary cities is compiled from publicly accessible databases. In addition, qualitative impressions allow for statements on the actors of this transformation processes, including municipal governments and councils, civil society organizations and social movements, various bridging agents, and trans-national municipal networks. This perspective on (referential and institutional) continuities is deepened in a case study on the medium-sized town of Marburg, Hesse. As participating cities in all three waves are predominantly located in the Global North, the article aims to also contribute to the application of the “ordinary city model” to regionally peripheralized cities in globally non-peripheral regions.