Municipal Policy Research Articles

Improving the budgetary policy of municipalities

The subject of the study is financial relations of municipalities in terms of income generation. The purpose of the article is to disclose and justify measures to increase fairness of the distribution of personal income tax by fixing the share of such a tax for the municipality in which the citizen lives but does not work. The research methods are general scientific (analysis, synthesis, deduction, classification, work with sources) and empirical ones (horizontal analysis). The article considers the problem of imbalance of local budgets caused by pendulum migration and, consequently, by outflow of income from municipalities. An information and software solution has been proposed to ensure the fair distribution of part of the personal income tax between municipalities by the place of residence and work of taxpayers. The logical model of the proposed solution and necessary changes in legislation for its implementation are described. The scope of application is the budget system of the Russian Federation, namely the spheres of municipal finance. Further research should be aimed at identifying additional reserves for strengthening the financial autonomy of municipalities. The expected results of the work include improving the financial situation of the population, optimising the budget system and leveling the level of development of municipalities. The importance of the proposed solution for balanced regional development and improving the quality of life of citizens is emphasised.

The Role of Gender (M/F) in the Workplace: The Case of Municipality of Athens, Greece

Purpose: This article presents the results of a survey conducted on employees of the municipality of Athens, Greece, in the context of an extensive survey on the implementation of the European Charter for Gender Equality in Local Communities and regarding stereotypes and discrimination between men and women in the specific survey population. Methodology: In particular, a survey was developed aimed to investigate the existence of stereotypical perceptions about gender within the Municipality and the absence of awareness of the need to integrate gender equality in all municipal policies. The survey was conducted between June and September 2023, online. A total of 258 employees in various Services and Organizations of the municipality of Athens participated in the survey, 71% women and 27% men, with an average age of 49 years old. The results of the research show that the gender of employees had a negative impact in the working life for women, confirming its role in inequalities and reduced opportunities for career development. Findings: The results also revealed that women in greater degree compared to men, have suffered a slowdown in their professional development due to their personal-family responsibilities, demonstrating that balancing work and family life is a difficult equation, especially for female employees. The study highlights persistent gender disparities, impacting work life balance and career progression for women. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Its findings suggest a need for targeted policies that address gender-based barriers, promoting a more equitable work environment in municipal roles.

Housing double binds: Social sustainability in municipal policy plans

Housing double binds: Social sustainability in municipal policy plans

Integrated Climate Change Mitigation and Public Health Protection Strategies: The Case of the City of Bologna, Italy

Introduction: The ongoing process of global warming, driven by the escalating concentration of greenhouse gases generated by human activities, especially in urban areas, significantly impacts public health. Local authorities play an important role in health promotion and disease prevention, and some aim to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. There is a consistent action underway to reach this goal, hence the need for mapping and implementing effective strategies and regulations. Materials and Methods: This study includes the analysis of policy guidelines adopted by the city of Bologna, consulted in March and April 2024. Bologna is one of the 100 cities committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2030, 20 years ahead of the EU target. To identify the strategies adopted to mitigate climate change, the following methodology was used: (i) the systematic mapping of sources and spatial planning documents; (ii) the extrapolation of goals, measures, and target indicators; and (iii) the development of an overall matrix. Results: The main findings of the study and their connection to public health pertain to the identification of key macro-areas contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, while reducing the impact of climate change on health: (1) built environment and renewable energy sources, (2) transport and mobility, (3) energy, (4) green areas and land use, and (5) citizen support. Within these five macro-areas, 14 goals have been identified, to which a total of 36 measures correspond, and, finally, a target indicator is determined, mainly with respect to the reduction of tons of CO2 equivalent per year. Conclusions: In order to protect public health, it is evident that buildings and urban activities should not produce carbon emissions throughout their lifecycle. This paper presents a method to evaluate municipal policies regarding dual-impact solutions that address both environmental protection through sustainability strategies and public health, in compliance with the Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach.

The adoption of a place-based framework to inform municipal health strategies

Abstract Background Health is a place-based issue. Research shows that inequalities in health are significantly influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors, making local policies related to these domains critical determinants. Yet, place-based health planning remains underutilized by local practitioners, not receiving adequate attention from policy-makers. Departing from the Municipal Health Strategy of Coimbra, this presentation aims to showcase the framework used for guiding municipal health planning, addressing multidimensional factors, geographic analysis, intersectoral collaboration and participatory approaches. Methods The conceptual and methodological framework followed a population health approach with a geographic lens, looking at how the health outcomes and health determinants were geographically distributed across the municipality (data disaggregated at sub-municipal level), as well as the extent to which policies from multiple sectors can address them. The planning cycle followed an iterative seven-stage process based in five key actions: 1 - Assess (Health Profile), 2 - Prioritize (Priorities), 3 - Plan (Objectives and Strategies), 4 - Implement (Action Plan) and 5 - Monitor (Targets and Measures, Monitoring Plan). Participatory processes were conducted involving local stakeholders and citizens to identify needs, establish priorities and actions. Results The framework for action integrates 14 goals and 94 actions across six policy domains: Sustainable Mobility and Public Places, Safe and Adequate Housing, Accessible Healthcare, Social Cohesion and Participation, Education and Health Literacy and Intersectoral and Collaborative Leadership. Conclusions Adopting a place-based framework to health planning, involving a geographical and multidimensional health assessment as well as the participation of local stakeholders and citizens, was considered effective in turning evidence into practice. Key messages • Municipal health strategies should be developed with a place-based perspective, prioritizing health as the focal point across various intersectoral municipal policies. • The integrated framework shed light on the experience of co-creation to inform health-oriented planning, ensuring that actions address specific needs of localities.

Populism and policy capacity: Evidence from an opposition municipality in Istanbul

AbstractDespite achievements in its conceptual rigor, policy capacity still represents a relatively depoliticized concept that fails to sufficiently consider the ways in which politics plays a role in its creation, mobilization, or decay. This article seeks to contribute to this debate by investigating the impact of populism on policy capacity, the type of policy capacity challenges posed and how they are related to populist policy design. Based on a case study of a municipality in Istanbul the article shows how populist politics and national populist policy design erode long‐term municipal policy capacity by enabling the (ab)use of the rule of law, loss of expertise, exhaustion of critical assets such as urban land and financial resources, and erosion of public citizenship due to growing expectations in the form of particularistic benefits. Declining policy capacity in turn leads to a shift in municipal policy priorities.

A methodology for prioritizing sustainable development goals targets at the local level: The case of Barcelona City Council

AbstractThe implementation of the 2030 Agenda relies heavily on the active involvement of local governments. The concept of “Localization”—the process of adapting and customizing the SDGs and translating them into local development plans and strategies—has gained prominence as governments address emerging challenges, necessitating innovative approaches. Practical insights from local governments are essential for guiding others in this process. A key debate focuses on “prioritization,” emphasizing the need to focus on a specific set of SDG targets based on available resources, the local government's experience with sustainable policies or the normative framework in which it operates. Prioritization is crucial to prevent fragmentation of efforts that could hinder the local government's contribution to the 2030 Agenda. This paper aims to introduce a methodology for prioritizing SDG targets within local governments. Using a multicriteria analysis tool, the paper shows the process undertaken by the Barcelona City Council to cluster the SDG targets around four priority groups based on four criteria: (i) distance to the goal, (ii) strategic coverage, (iii) normative competence, and (iv) budgetary effort. The prioritization approach contributes to a better monitoring and evaluation process to assess progress towards the SDGs and enhance collaborative efforts across municipal policy and management levels. The findings provide valuable insights and serve as a reference for other local governments aiming at contributing to the 2030 Agenda. The approach is adaptable and can be applied to different subnational governments by tailoring to their specific scope and requirements of the context of application.

Deciding climate change adaptation implementation at the local level – a tale of two cities in the Netherlands

The implementation of adaptation to climate change lags behind necessary adaptation. Implementation of adaptation often takes place at the local level, influenced by local factors and mechanisms producing mainstreamed or standalone adaptation outcomes. Because mainstreaming adaptation is seen as accelerating adaptation, understanding this process is crucial for expediting its implementation. The lack of insight into the influence of context on mainstreaming and its respective outcomes hinders the transfer of lessons between different contexts. To address this gap, we investigate the question “Why do municipal policy processes lead to either standalone or mainstreamed adaptation implementation decisions?” We apply the Multiple Streams Framework to explain local adaptation implementation decisions to compare adaptation in Enschede and Zwolle, two Dutch adaptation frontrunners. We conclude that issue-linking with locally salient issues facilitates adaptation mainstreaming in a case without problem urgency, whereas a focusing event leads to standalone adaptation implementation if crisis-framing is applied.

More green but less just? Analyzing urban green spaces, participation, and environmental justice in Amsterdam

Cities worldwide are taking action to increase the amount and quality of urban green spaces. However, not all efforts for the greening of cities produce just and inclusive outcomes. For more inclusive urban greening processes, scholars have proposed incentivizing residents’ participation in planning and implementing green initiatives that promote creating and maintaining green spaces. However, further in-depth analysis of the connection between implementing new urban green spaces and environmental (in)justice is needed to understand how unjust outcomes might emerge due to policies aiming to promote the uptake of urban green through citizen engagement. To investigate the justice implications of policies that aim to create new urban green spaces through citizen participation, this article combines GIS analysis and qualitative analysis of 26 semi-structured interviews to evaluate the process and outcomes of the Green Agenda policy in Amsterdam. The Green Agenda (Agenda Groen) is a municipal policy supporting citizens’ initiatives to uptake urban green. Through the analysis of this case study, the article aims to identify factors that create barriers to achieving just outcomes during the implementation of policies for urban greening. Results indicate that although the approach has successfully increased the amount of urban green in Amsterdam, the presence of barriers that impede procedural justice and lack of recognition made the urban greening process less just. The three underlying factors that create barriers in Amsterdam are the centralization of the government, the lack of support for local organizations, and the effect of socioeconomic characteristics on inclusion and participation. The article concludes by discussing the synergies and tradeoffs between identified barriers and suggesting solutions to be integrated into future policies for more successful and just greening processes.

Queer households and possibilities for shared housing: a policy case study analysis

ABSTRACT Kinship structures among Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) individuals differ from conventional nuclear families. Heteronormative models of family and cohabitation impact housing options, resulting in the marginalization of queer households in Canada. This paper examines systemic factors in federal, provincial, and municipal policies, focusing on two specific policies: Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit and Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods, which limit housing provision for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Using Toronto as a case study, it evaluates how these policies affect the household needs of 2SLGBTQI+ adults based on queer kinship and identifies opportunities for change.

Belediye Yönetimlerinin Gelir ve Harcama Politikaları Nasıl Olmalıdır?

Revenue and expenditure policies of municipal governments should be determined by taking into account the principles of sustainability, efficiency and justice of local governments. The main purpose of these policies is for municipalities to provide public services effectively and increase the welfare of the society. Revenue policies determine the resources that municipalities can use to meet their budget needs. These sources generally consist of local taxes, fees, transfers and other revenue sources. It is important that income policies are fair and burden different segments of society in a balanced manner. At the same time, a reliable basis should be created for budget planning and long-term investments by ensuring the continuity and predictability of revenues. Expenditure policies determine how municipalities will use these resources. Expenditures should be aimed at increasing the efficiency of municipal services. In this context, investments should be made in priority areas, projects that will increase efficiency should be prioritized and waste of resources should be prevented. In addition, spending policies should be transparent and shared with the public so that the society can receive the services they expect from municipalities and participate in management processes. In this study, the revenue and expenditure policies of municipalities were examined by comparative analysis method and some determinations were made about how the municipalities' revenue and expenditure policies would be. In this context, the revenue and expenditure policies of municipal governments should be regulated in a balanced and fair manner to meet local needs, ensure sustainability and increase social welfare. Correct implementation of these policies will strengthen the effectiveness of local governments and their trust relationship with the society. Key Words: Local Administrations, Municipalities, Revenue Policies, Expenditure Policies, Participatory Budget Jel Code: E62, H71, H72

Proposed Index for Assigning an Environmental Label to Passenger Cars

At present, the classification of vehicles by means of the environmental label aims to positively distinguish the most environmentally friendly vehicles and to be an effective instrument at the service of municipal policies, both to restrict traffic during high pollution periods and to promote new technologies through tax benefits and other incentives related to mobility and the environment. However, there is a great deal of controversy about the awarding of this environmental label, since it is basically based only on the year of manufacture of the vehicle and the type of fuel it uses, without taking into account many other factors that influence the environmental characterization of a vehicle. This paper presents a proposal for an index to characterize passenger cars from an environmental point of view, considering other additional factors, such as tire wear and particulate emissions during braking. The proposed index is applied to a series of passenger cars representative of the segments currently present in the Spanish market. The index considers seven vehicle parameters. Up to three cases with different parameter weights are analyzed. This index provides greater discrimination of the environmental performance of vehicles than the current eco-labeling system, in each of the three cases studied.

Cultural Diversity under Sino-Myanmar Policies: Local Policies to Promote Cultural Expression and Diversity

This study investigates the complex Sino-Myanmar connection and how local policies might promote cultural diversity. The mixed-methods research combines qualitative community, cultural, and policymaker interviews with quantitative policy data analysis. The comprehensive approach provides a deep understanding of cultural diversity, local regulations, and Sino-Myanmar relations. Based on this research, municipal policies can empower communities to freely and inclusively display their cultures. By valuing cultural diversity, genuine cultural interaction and contact between diverse groups can improve Sino-Myanmar relations. This study investigates cultural diversity through local policies and lived experiences to shed light on Sino-Myanmar relations and suggest strategies to improve cooperation. The research’s practical implication affects policymakers, diplomats, and practitioners who manage international relations, especially between neighbors. Culture-oriented thinking considers cultural exchange programs diplomatic tools. Geographic closeness affects cultural contact; hence community is addressed. This highlights cultural exchange programs' diplomatic relevance. According to research, diplomatic endeavors should adapt to cultural changes during political and social change. Policymakers can stabilize domestic politics using cultural diplomacy.

Assessing Factor Influence on Interbudgetary Transfers Income to Municipal Budgets

The article proposes an approach to studying and assessing the influence of factors on the volume of interbudgetary transfers income to municipal budgets. The relevance of the work is predetermined by the need to find ways to increase the replenishment of municipal budgets through the means of influence available for municipalities in order to fulfill their obligations and further territorial progress, including due to the unstable economic situation. Municipalities in Russia are in conditions of high dependence on incomes from higher-level budgets due to limited opportunities to strengthen their own revenue base, needing to attract as much gratuitous revenue as possible to their budgets. However, the aspects that have the greatest impact on the growth of intergovernmental transfers to the budget change over time and require elaboration. The aim of the work is to identify influencing factors that have a positive effect on increasing the incomes of interbudgetary transfers to municipal budgets, as well as to establish the degree of their influence on the volume of financial assistance provided. The study was carried out using industry-wide methods of system analysis with using statistical tools; the objects of the study were municipalities of the Samara region. The revenues of municipal budgets were analyzed, including to identify emerging trends. In addition, an assessment of factors and the degree of their influence on increasing the revenue base of municipalities in terms of gratuitous revenues from the subfederal level was carried out on the basis of correlation and regression analysis, including a dynamic comparison of the calculated models based on the results of 2012 and 2022. The key factors that have the greatest impact on the replenishment of municipal budgets through interbudgetary transfers have been identified, which has become an element of work’s scientific novelty. The results of the study can be used in the development of municipal policy in the field of interbudgetary relations, as well as become the basis for further study on a national scale.

Assessing Factor Influence on Interbudgetary Transfers Income to Municipal Budgets.

The article proposes an approach to studying and assessing the influence of factors on the volume of interbudgetary transfers income to municipal budgets. The relevance of the work is predetermined by the need to find ways to increase the replenishment of municipal budgets through the means of influence available for municipalities in order to fulfill their obligations and further territorial progress, including due to the unstable economic situation. Municipalities in Russia are in conditions of high dependence on incomes from higher-level budgets due to limited opportunities to strengthen their own revenue base, needing to attract as much gratuitous revenue as possible to their budgets. However, the aspects that have the greatest impact on the growth of intergovernmental transfers to the budget change over time and require elaboration. The aim of the work is to identify influencing factors that have a positive effect on increasing the incomes of interbudgetary transfers to municipal budgets, as well as to establish the degree of their influence on the volume of financial assistance provided. The study was carried out using industry-wide methods of system analysis with using statistical tools; the objects of the study were municipalities of the Samara region. The revenues of municipal budgets were analyzed, including to identify emerging trends. In addition, an assessment of factors and the degree of their influence on increasing the revenue base of municipalities in terms of gratuitous revenues from the subfederal level was carried out on the basis of correlation and regression analysis, including a dynamic comparison of the calculated models based on the results of 2012 and 2022. The key factors that have the greatest impact on the replenishment of municipal budgets through interbudgetary transfers have been identified, which has become an element of work’s scientific novelty. The results of the study can be used in the development of municipal policy in the field of interbudgetary relations, as well as become the basis for further study on a national scale.

Ensuring Future Primary Care from a Municipal Perspective

In view of the continuing shortage of general practitioners, ensuring access to (primary) medical care close to home is also becoming increasingly important for local authorities. The aim of the present study was to analyse the current and future provision of primary care from the viewpoint of the municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). From the results, it should be possible to derive future health policy design of a needs-based primary care close to home. In an online survey in spring 2023, we surveyed the mayors or representatives of health departments of all 427 municipalities (396 cities and communities, 31 districts) in NRW in cooperation with the NRW Association of Cities and Municipalities, the NRW Association of Counties and the NRW Association of Cities. The items of the questionnaire (n=28) were developed on the basis of two other surveys on medical care in Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg, each with a municipal policy target group. They were tested in repeated pretests. In total, 192 municipalities participated in the survey (response rate: 45.0%). The majority of the municipalities (86.6%) considered the local provision of primary care to be (rather) not ensured within the next 10 years. The municipalities expressed the wish for more opportunities to exert their own influence (79.5% yes or rather yes), but nevertheless considered a stronger commitment, especially of the Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (85.4%), as well as an intensification of assumption of responsibility by the federal states (72.4%) to be necessary for ensuring primary care. The survey shows that municipalities are quite aware of the problem of future deficits in the supply of general practitioners at the local level. The results also indicate that, in view of increasing supply shortfalls, the municipalities see obligations for the Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians and the federal states to take responsibility and to exert greater political pressure in the future. The municipal perspective is an essential building block in considerations of how primary care can be ensured in the future. The responsible stakeholders should therefore involve the municipal level in the planning and measures to secure primary care more closely than in the past.

Understanding land take by low-density residential areas: An institutionalist perspective on local planning authorities, developers and households

Using a case study design, the study focuses on identifying the institutional configuration that determines land take by low-density residential areas. Methodologically, it combines geospatial approaches and new institutionalism to capture and understand residential development, taking into account the interests, constraints and agency of local planning authorities, developers and households. The geospatial analysis shows that land take in the case study regions is primarily the result of low-density residential areas. We find that the combination of rural housing ideals, municipal policy objectives, municipalities' disengagement from spatial development and private sector interests are the main drivers for this kind of residential development. As the interests and constraints apply to all case study regions, the identified institutional configuration has high power in explaining low-density residential development. Our study thus uncovers a close link between the interests and constraints of actors, which on the one hand explains the limited impact of existing and new planning instruments on reducing land take, and on the other hand fosters path dependency in the development of low-density residential areas. Although there is some potential for change, breaking path dependency requires significant behavioural change among local planning authorities, developers and households.

Do we have enough space for the trees we need?

In 2021, two guidelines were introduced with the purpose of increasing cities’ tree canopy coverage (TCC): Konijnendijk’s 3–30–300 rule, where 30 represents the goal to achieve at least 30 % TCC, and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s (SEPA) guideline, aiming for all Swedish cities to increase their TCC by two percentage points (%pts) within a period of 10 years. While these ambitious goals are positive, not least from a sustainability perspective, there is a lack of research on whether these goals are feasible and how to reach them in practice. The overall TCC in Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth largest city, is 28 %, with considerably lower TCC in the eastern parts of the city. In this study, we will investigate, and visualise, how a 2 %pts increase as well as 30 % TCC could be achieved in two areas in eastern Uppsala: Fålhagen, a residential area, and Boländerna, a commercial and industrial area. We used geographical information systems (GIS) and a scenario approach to calculate the number of trees needed, and possible locations for them, to achieve a 2 %pts increase or the 30 % TCC goal. The results show that an increase of 2 %pts seems possible in both areas, particularly if the municipality and private property owners collaborate. However, it is difficult to estimate the time needed until the canopies of the proposed trees have become large enough to reach the 2 %pts increase. It does not seem likely to reach 30 % TCC in eastern Uppsala with today’s land use. To be able to reach the goals presented in this paper, it seems necessary to include them in municipality policies. Perhaps Konijnendijk’s and SEPA’s guidelines can be starting points for such policies and applied as rules-of-thumb rather than applicable planning tools.

PROPUESTA DE ANÁLISIS DE VULNERABILIDAD SOCIAL A LA CALIDAD DEL AIRE BASADO EN SISTEMAS DE INFORMACIÓN GEOGRÁFICA (SIG) Y SU APLICACIÓN EN VITORIA-GASTEIZ

Despite the fact that air pollution is one of the main environmental concerns in Europe, causing more than 400,000 premature deaths each year, and affecting certain groups in particular, there are no known specific analyses of the social vulnerability of this pollutant that would allow us to guide policies to improve air quality in the different municipalities. For this reason, a first approximation of an analysis of social vulnerability to air quality has been developed to guide municipal policies in this area. The proposal proposes a zonal analysis of exposure in GIS in which the modelled information on air pollution is cross-referenced with the location of buildings housing the main vulnerable groups. The buildings have been classified according to the type of vulnerable population using them and their degree of vulnerability. The results indicate that this proposal allows a visual and simple identification of the levels of air pollution to which each sensitive building is exposed, facilitating the possible identification of those with levels higher than the current legislation or the recommendations of the WHO. Based on the exposure on the façade of the buildings, the proposal presented allows four levels of severity with respect to air pollution to be established, establishing the first steps of a prioritisation of improvement needs. This first prioritisation can be adjusted according to the type of population housed in each sensitive building and the vulnerability of the groups it houses. The proposed GIS-based social vulnerability analysis is particularly interesting when available resources are scarce, but it must be complemented by detailed analyses of the social vulnerability of the prioritised sensitive buildings before the implementation of improvement actions. Keywords: urban planning, social vulnerability, social vulnerability, air quality, GIS, modelling

Burdens on the gateway to the state: Administrative burdens in the registration of people experiencing homelessness in Belgium and the Netherlands

AbstractPopulation registries are the gateway to public services, benefits, and rights. However, despite clear formal rules and procedures, people eligible for registration may still face administrative burdens in obtaining access. In this article, we study the case of the municipal registration of people who experience homelessness in Belgium and the Netherlands—a group that typically suffers from administrative vulnerability. Using data from 61 interviews with social workers and civil servants, we find that burdens are constructed at the municipal level to disincentivize homeless people's access to registration. However, using the Institutional Analysis and Development Framework, we also identify mechanisms in the governance of population registrations and the decentralization of social policies that create incentives for strategic behavior by municipal policy makers and street‐level bureaucrats. By analyzing the interaction between multiple institutional levels, we contribute to understanding how structural mechanisms influence policymakers’ agency in the construction of administrative burdens.