Volumejfur 75 3 v A ~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nuonber thiree THE URBAN A AGE December51 December 1996 M A Y O R S A N D P A R T N E R S H I P S The New Role of Mayors in a Changing T Global Context I Changing Global Context by bv~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~oa JonasRabinvitc by Jonas Rabinovitch 6 Interview with Jaime Ravinet, Mayor of Santiago, Chile NEW YORK CITY. Increasingly, governments, the private sector, Second, nations around the world and civil society agree that successfully addressing the complex social recognize the global implications of 7 Devolution of Power in ills and issues that will continue to beset the world, its cities, and its "local" issues. For instance: Chatterjee peoples in the 21st century will require partnership. The recent series of * Cities are engines of economic 8 Interview with Beverly UN conferences established unprecedented international consensus in growth, centers of employment and O'Neill, Mayor of Long this regard. At the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992, Agenda 21 called for opportunity; thus, nations' economic Beach, California support from local actors-both govemment and nongovernmental prosperity will depend on the perfor- 9 Mayors on the Frontline of organizations (NGOs). In 1995, at Copenhagen's Social Summit, mance of their cities. National Economic Change by support for civil society was stressed in addressing social integration. * Cities and towns are seriously G wovanni Nidula poverty eradication, and employment. At the Women s Summit in affected by overcrowding, environ- 10 Interveew with Nickuy Beijing in 1995, the role of NGOs was emphasized in promoting mental degradation, underemployment, Officer of the Greater gender equity. And in Istanbul in 1996 at the City Summit, local actors social disruption, and inadequate Johannesburg Transitional and partnerships were seen as central to building sustainable human housing infrastructture and services. Metropolitan Council settlerments. * The origin of many global I1 One Woman's JourNey to c ~~~~~~~~Leadership by Nbabi!a Fortes Thus, as governments the world over move toward more participa- environmental problems related to tory approaches to problem solving and management, the local level of patterns of production and consump- government-and mayors, as their often elected executive officials- tion, waste, and air and water pollution increasingly represents one of the most important elements in this occur in cities. 3 World V7iew Who Wants to Be transition. First, mayors, as representatives of the local level, are a So, where in the past. the local level PMreayiodren byprodcoLaqian direct link to the general citizenship. Citizens nonnally do not or cannot of government and its mayors often 12 The American Urban reach and interact with their central government. However, they do represented a mere extension of central ChaUenge Answering to Local directly interact with-or complain to-their mayors about jobs, waste, government, signs today point to a new Community Funding Needs by water, traffic, safety, transport, and other basic issues. Thus. mayors role for mayors worldwide, particularly Benjamin Warnide and A'fustafa can be a most effective conduit for the public's problems. in developing countries. E 13) Habitatl tl pdate Highlights of the Final Declaration of the Mayors-changing responsibilities World Assembly of Cities and FP 0 Local Authorities at Habitat II Traditionally, the role of mayors 14 BookS : has been voluntarily or involuntarily 15 The Urban Calendar * 9 % B limited to managing city budgets and 0 w w 11 t making isolated political decisions that do not necessarily take into account people-centered priorities. Quite often, mayors have been-and still are, in some places-responsible for individual public works, tf w without a strategic vision for their cities and without regard for their people's aspirations. .' aO_ p *? -e . This role is changing-assuredly not at the same pace, and not in _ , 2 | rIthe same way-all around the world in response to decentralization, *- w (llll 1 globalization, and the new philosophy of partnership outlined above. A considerable number of mayors are now responding to this new I_fP challenge and beginning to turn their cities into instruments for change. aI~ y 1 1 ,.|However, many obstacles prevent full implementation of their '4el Z 1 t initiatives. These include an excessive centralization still existing in many countries that results in a lack of administrative, technical, and financial autonomy at the local level; resistance to change; bureau- Łt MN/91 Rw/ E continued on pnge 4 F it is ipsile to g ae mayor We askthem about the skills they need to -r,:X::D;:\: < :\tS; ? : .d o, de g iai,~ alty. I China there are no elected mayors, manage cities. Te answers included, a strong whereas in Latin America nearly all mayors are political will and the ability to plan and prioritize. M0n:::ent 1^ ; C L elected. However, in the last 15 years democrati- We also ask them what kinds of partnerships they : ProQramme i:; < ll . ; S˘:& :U: decentralization, have in many regions brought using a mix of tradition and innovation to enhance This znissue of Tvhe UrbanAeis fundedby ise X 0about tremendous change in their responsibili- the competitiveness of their local economies Danish Agncy for tntrrnatiooal Development, the ties. Theirs has been a transition from a through privatization, and joint ventures; in Federation of Canadian Municipalities :g (Canaianceremonial role to an assumption of real power. Johannesburg the Transitional Metropolitan :nternational Development Agency), the Dutch The new skills of mayors must now include the Council is partnering with inner-city business, of ousing Researcs,andtheWorldxabilitv toaiscapita,ta and spend, and to local stakeholders and organized labor to create Developmnental fuinding has been eprovided by theC:a:;0:- 70 0 manage the city; their new vocabulary must new initiatives for the delivery of services. UNdP-UNCI-IS(HabiisfiWorld Banke Urban include the words partnership, accountability, In India, the passing of the 74th Amnendment in Manag t P m aparticipation, and transparency : 1992 sought to strengthen urban local govemment -- __________________________ Mayors must be much more though than city by stipulating that elected peopleis representatives - --rnmanagers. Today city leadership must also be initiate and implement civic management. It also part of a facilitation of the process of urban decreed that in one third of Indian cities in any Job Bmgniann 0 ; 0< fg;20QSS0b j e gE < g0X? 0 ftransformation. Jonas Rabinovich points out in state only women can compete for the position of ICLEI,; ThronRto Canada 0 0 a0t5 9;0 ; his lead that a local administration can now be a mayor. In a profile of Rita Joshi, mayor of JamesUCr4 t 0S40X; i0 00 000 t; z i 30 \ 00c i 00a02 0 Sti <5 > >\key player in the transition toward improved Allahabad, and with Beverly OlNeill, mayor of Fannie Ma' ;u;; e Foundation, ;557$ 0< dX :forms of urban governance. How does this Long Beach, California and Nabila Farres, mukhtar Whigo DC,-B:; USA 000000 V Szjt;04-t.Xkgi;,S;Tl happen? Through collaborative effort between of Al-Rabych, Lebanon we assess the rising impact (, Shabbir Cheema the local administration and the cornmunitv of women in this position. UNDP ;jguN70\zewi.Cyat': dork U'0 9X<0;SA::X<'' working in an integrated fashion. Through In this issue weintroduce a new department harles, Correa 00 >>o; i:00<. id E<, > V E ,encouraging participatory approaches to city life called The American Urban Challenge. It has Zaursa Danielf 0V000 900 i.>;vf : Bwhether that be budget planming or plamning for always been an apologetic irony that the problems R 0 l 4esearch Institute. Minisoy of nance> tinfrastructure. occurring in American cities often reflect those in Budapest, Jlungasy i0S ' t < Mayors do not work alone. They work with urban centers throughout the world. In this issue Mamadou Diop;0: S 0\0000 0} 0many groups, often with "non-traditional" we explore the emergence of an alternative urban Dta nar Metropollan Communiy :players who believe that running cities is the community funding vehicle called regional Dakar, Senegal business of the whole comimunity. This new intermedariesthathavepossibleapplicationsfor Nigel HSsWTif; sS S } 00f 0 $ CS00t 0X 50 coalition of groups includes the emergence and cities globally. Development Planning Unit legitimization of civil society, with its philoso- As always we welcome your comments and University College, London, r Englandphy of inelusion and participation, the prvate criticisms about the issue and we wish you a happy Dutch MinisOy of Foreign AftStirs sector, and nongovenuneital organizations. and peaceful new year. < ib TheHague, Thie˘ 5 NeherlandsIn this issue we listen to the voice of the city -Margaret Bergen AprtodpE fifio Laqo ian\z0X0 Ibadan, N00 0 00 0 0 0 igeria v Photo credits: p. I (Chile): Courtesy ofJaime Mohamad MachSOBeenftBeiruitUtoauk o7330$0i00 tf 0 ;000X \ Ravinet, p. 7 (India): courtesy ofPatralek-ha Pablo Trivelli f~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~hotterjee; p. 8 (North America): courtesy, of Santiago, Chile The next issue of The Urban Age will focus Beverlv O'Neill; p. II (Lebanon): courtesy of Nabila Jatine Valensuata ~~~~~~~~~on cultural heritage. 'We look forward to Farret ICLE!, Santiago?,002900i00 Chile000 ;vXi':i 0$' 0 receiving your comments and thoughts on thisprintedbyAutomatedGraphic Emiel Wegelin 0 tupcoming issue. Systems Inc., on recycled paper using soy-based Devlonien St:udies, Th Nehelad The Urban Age is published four times a year and is available to developing country subscribers free of : charge. Developed count r subscribers are charged US$20.00 annually. Editorial offices are located at Room S6-147 The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA. Fax: 202- Arif Iasan .522-3232; e-mail: mhergenxvorldbank.org Karachi Si PakitaniiSi i'Cii g i;~~' - -He-˘ - -r- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - - |,Q A tsstBuenosAires, Argentina .To receive The Urban Age, please fill out the information below and return to: PeterSwan jThe Editor, The Urbati Age, Rm S6-147, The World Bantk Group, UNCHS: Rpnegional Pro gi nnmefor Canon unity :1818 H St., NW, Washington, DC 20433 ~~~~~~~NAME Deeomn in Asa Tha . and.=Bangko - ~~~_ _ _ _ _ I N A E I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Abidja Alioune Badiane ki';OCCUPATION . Uk/P B S : f 0 0 |___________________ U English D French D Spansh I X A fee of US$20.00 per year will be charged to developed country subscribers. Managing LE--tor-Margaret---ergen----- WORLD VIEW-GUESI EDITORIRL Who Wants to Be President When You Can Be Mayor? Aprodicio Laquian is director of the Centre for Human Settlements, Universitv of British Columbia, in Vancouver, Canada. Since 199], he has been conducting a study of the planning and governance of mega-urban regions in Asia under a grantfrom the Canadian International Developmnent Agency. V ANCOUVER. From Manila find out what he does. The relations. The mass media in problems has been noted by to Montevideo, the mayor of mayor. who runs a city of more cities, with its capacity to create Shabbir Cheema (The Urban Age a country's largest city has than 2 million, routinely works instant name recognition, has Vol. 3, No. 4). However, city traditionally been a logical 15-hour days. About 60 percent become a potent force in elec- political leadership also requires candidate for the presidency of of his working hours involve tions. With so much job time that individualsfacilitate the that country. In many ways, this dealing with the public-that is, dedicated to dealing with the process of urban transformation tendency has been bad for urban meeting delegations pressing public as a mass audience, the as well as maniage urban prob- politics, as cities keep losing their specific interests, such as ability to communicate well and lems. It is true that rapid urban- best leaders to the national arena. developers seeking zoning mobilize public opinion remains a ization brings with it greater In recent years, however, this trend changes, community groups with critical element in a city mayor's demand for housing, transport, has been reversing, as cities grievances, urban poverty groups success. water, sanitation, communica- assume a growing importance in asking not to be evicted from tions, energy, and public health, the face of increasing global- squatter areas. Another 15 Nontraditional political all of which require management ization. Some city politicians are percent of his time is devoted to background skills. Successful mayors. actually opting to remain at the public appearances-speeches at however savvy in their approach municipal level because they enjoy civic association meetings, TV To succeed, most city execu- to urban management, also must more resources, authority, and and radio interviews, responding tives need to cast off the image of have the ability to inspire coop- power. to reporters' questions. Bureau- being a "traditional politician" erative action, marshal and Past literature on city politics in mobilize resources, and motivate developed countries focused on Citypolitical others to cooperate in achieving the unsavory aspects of political y p common goals. machines, patronage, and graft. In leadership also requires that Fundamental changes in urban developing countries, citv politics . f proesssocieties in both developed and have often been seen merely as a lndivldaals faclitate the process of developing countries are altering stepping stone to national office. ucrban transfbrrmation as well as the roles of elected city officials: Only in recent years have reform- As cities become less embedded minded politicians committed to a manage urban problems. in national political processes due civil society stressed the participa- to globalizing forces and the tory and democratic aspects of communication revolution, factors urban political life in both North cratic activities-meeting with (the Filipino term for politician, such as being able to commnuni- and South. For example, Pascual city hall department heads, "Trapo," which literally means cate well, having a nontraditional Maragall, mayor of Barcelona, signing papers, inspecting project "old dirty rag," captures this political backgrounid, and having views cities as "the place where sites-take about 15 percent of condemnation of traditional the capacity to facilitate and human problems can be solved," his time. Finally, about 10 politics). As rapidly urbanizing manage urban affairs are becom- (The Urban Age Vol. 2, No. 2) and percent of his day entails re- members of the middle class get ing vital to success. If this trend argues for globe-girding "United sponding to joh-seekers and involved in civic politics, they continues, large cities, rather than Cities." Habitat 11, the UN City political leaders asking for special tend to shun traditional machines. nation-states, promise to be the Summit held in Istanbul in June of favors. More and more, city politicians harbingers of more efficient and, this year, also highlighted the If the responsibilities of this are coming from nongovemmen- effective political development. importance of cities in national mayor typify the demands made tal organizations, religious The words of Fiorello La Guardia. and global development. on an elected official's time, it groups, or the private sector; mayor of New York City in the If, indeed, cities are acknowl- becomes quite clear what useful some are civil servants, others are 1930s, ring even truer today: edged as the engines for both traits a city executive should professionals. "W1ho wants to be president when economic and political develop- possess. Briefly, being a city you can be mayor of the city?" ment, how do elected city execu- mayor seems to call for the Emphasis on facilitation El tives rise to the challenges of following characteristics. urban govemance? What do city The importance of urban mayors do? What are the traits a Good communication management in solving urban city mayor should have to be The Urban Age aimis to stimulate lively debate anzd initeraction on var-ious topics successful? To be a successful elected city in developed and developing countries. The ideas expressed in articles appeari ng i.n The Urban Age reflect thie personal comnments of each author, and Last stummer, as part of a study official, an individual must have a are not repreesentative of aniy one agenc.y or organiization. Individutal articles of urban govemance, I spent one talent for relating to others that appearing in The Urban Age may be reproduced or reprinted provided the author(s) week with a city mavor in order to goes well beyond mere p7ublic and The Urban Age are cited, and a courtesy copy is sent tO The Urban Age. THE URHRN ROE TePrPw,7hr 799f, NEW ROLE OF MAYORS continuedjfrom page I cracy; corruption; selfishness; hopelessness; isolation and a lack of * Other cities-such as Cebu City in the Philippines, Xanghai in dialogue among public, private, and voluntary sectors; lack of technical China, Santiago in Chile, Belo Horizonte in Brazil, Johannesburg in capacity; partisan politics; and a lack of trust among levels of govern- South Africa- have demonstrated the value of partnerships between ment. mayors and civil society in developing aod implementing successffil i l Nothwithstanding these difficulties, inspirational and imitable projects. * examples of mayoral leadership do exist worldwide that combinc These exarnples of mayorial leadership do not just exist in develop- innovative management strategies with participatory concepts that ing areas. In the United States and Canada, Seattle, Indianapolis and can help outline a new role and agenda for mayors in the 21 st century. Toronto also represent good examples of efficient urban management. - Curitiba, Brazil, represents perhaps the most comprehensive of And New York City demonstrated that it is possible to reduce crime in such examples. Counting on the leadership and political will of its a major urban center following firm interventions by its mayor. mayor, Curitiba began in the early 1970s to manage, control, and direct its growth process; develop an efficient public transport system; and Toward a new agenda pioneer innovative programs such as the exchange of garbage for food in a self-financing manner. The examples illustrated above demonstrate that mayors cannot do * The current mayors of Accra and Dakar, in Africa, have attracted everything on their own. The role of the mayor has become that of a international attention to the partnerships being developed in their facilitator, a catalytic force pushing together innovative shared respon- communities between public and private sectors and within city sibilities. As an administrator, the mayor has the responsibility to neighborhoods. delegate, not only to city hall employees but also to civil society as a * The city of Quito, Ecuador, developed an extensive program of whole, co-responsibility for developing collective objectives within a cooperation with international development agencies. city or town. Rather than being a mere executor of technical prescrip- Other city experiences demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating tions, a local administration now can be a key actor in the transition various local actors. toward improved forms of urban governance. * In Buenos Aires, a community cooperative for the provision and It is impossible to outline an agenda for local officials. Rather, one maintenance of low-cost water and sanitation managed to operate can suggest some general principles and techniques mayors and other successfully by experimenting with new, appropriate technologies. local administ-ators should keep in mind as they move toward sustain- * In Bombay, India, a partnership between public authorities, able urban development. hospitals, schools, and foundations implemented a successful initiative * Improve governance for sustainable urban development. This to educate children of low-income areas about preventive health and can be accomplished through a participatory role of public administra- immnunization. These children became "mini-doctors," performing a tion and civil service, by encouraging stakeholders to participate in monitoring role in their respective slum areas. decisionmaking, and by developing forms of participatory municipal * Kingston, Jamaica, provided training to involve women in the local budgeting and enhanced ownership of programs and projects. construction industry. * Promote the alleviation of urban poverty. This can be accom- - In Casablanca, a culturally sensitive mass housing project for plished through equity-based social development policies, access to 25,000 low-income people successfully involves formal and informal social services by disadvantaged groups, an enhanced role for NGOs organizations to run different aspects of commuanity lile such as and civil society organizations, empowerment of women and the poor, security, gardening, and waste management. access to management skills and credit facilities, income-generating - In Tijuana, Mexico, a program developed by the local administra- programs, and support of infonnal enterprises. tion distributes a percentage of the city budget to community groups * Preserve the urban environment. This can be achieved through committed to developing specific public works; these projects are community-based environmental programs such as waste management, selected through neighborhood consultations. continued on page 5 > hy Tim Campbell Tim Campbell is the principal airban specialist in the Advisory Group in the World Bank's Latin America and the Caribbean Technical Department (LA CTD). This article is drawn from a recent LA CTD study designed to deepen understanding of innovation in government (see Tim Campbell with Harald Fuhr, "Innovations and Risk Taking: The Engine of ReJbrm in Local Government of LAC, " World Bank, October 1996). Study findings were also highlighted in The Urban Age Vol. 3, Nao 4. A new generation of reform * Surround yourself with profes- * Leam from other mayors. forces such as fiscal crises. mayors has produced a wave of sional staff. Trained and experienced Mayors learn best from each other - Use basic social building innovations-upgrading profes- professionals will enable you to because only they can understand blocks to advance common sional staffs, raising taxes and user deliver better services. risk-taking and gauge the means to purposes. Grassroots interests are fees, delivering better services, and * Use a wide variety of communi- offset risks in their own political the moving forces of participatory mobilizing participation in public cation and consultative techniques to environment. inmovations. choice-making. With little help souud out constituent preferences. - Articulate your conmmitment - Use a variety of public from outside, these leaders may be * Always be on the lookout for convincingly and repeatedly. This comnmunication devices to define laying the groundwork for long- good ideas, xvherever you may fid will enable you to sustain public trust. your ideas, give them an identity, term change. them. As you discover innovations - Implement your innovations on a reduce uncertainties raised by the Following are some "pointers" that might work in your context, think small, simple scale. Large undertak- opposition, and persuade the public for those interested in following the how you can offset or hedge any risks ings create more institutional friction and other political leaders. lead of these innovators. of failure, and are more vulnerable to outside THE URBRN RGE n-,.. 7,. ions NEW ROLE OF MAYORS continued from page 4 tree planting, low-income sanitation; private sector involvement in Local-Globdl Lighdges service delivery/waste management/sanitation; and enactment of environmentally sound land-use legislation. Many global trends have converged to create a new role for the world's * Support local capacity development. This can be achieved elected mayors. o n *Decentralization. Democratic govemments and market-based through networkig/twinng and information technologies; cross L economic systems have gradually replaced authoritarian regimes in many fertilization of experiences; and capacity development within local K countries during the past 10 years. According to a recent United Nations systems (judicial, financial, managerial); and improving municipal Development Programme draft report, some 65 developing and transitional finance and revenue generation. countries claim to have embarked on some form of transfer of political Mayors are increasingly important as leaders in the process of power to local units of government. p Ther end loal bnipsofagivedmworl. Tdme teotnnh proposing creative solutions for city management-thus enhancing the -The end of a bipolarized world. The demlise of the Soviet Union, the creation of the Commonwealth of the Independent States, and the conse- positive contribution that cities and towns can make toward sustainable qucnces of these actions are redesigning international relations, financial human development. investment patterns, official development assistance, and many other To fulfill this new agenda, mayors need to do less by giving commu- worldwide interchanges. nities an opportunity to act through responsible participatory ap- A few years ago, we used to speak generically abotit a first world proaches; however, mayors need to do more by monitoring intera- (industrialized developed countries), a second world (socialist/communist tioaltes and making to o ter mmnities inachngn countries with centrally planned economies), and a third world (developing tional trends and making the most of their communities in a changing countries). Nowadays, many characteristics of these three worlds coexist international scenario. within major urban areas around the globe-posing increasing challenges to mayors. The high productivity of developed countries may coexist with Rather than beingjust an the urban poverty typical of developing countries, while socialist-style te J initiatives are needed to cover areas such as public health and education executor of technical prescriptions, that are not traditionally met by the market. The big question today is not whether a nation should be capitalist, socialist, or communist. Rather, what a local administration now can be a key really matters is whcther people's basic needs are being met locally with dignity. In this context, mayors can play a crucial role in balancing actor in the transition toward contrasting forces, potentials, and needs. *Globalization. Globalization is another trend that plays an important improved fbrms of urban governance. contextual role in shaping neNw local-global relations. As far as mayors are concerned, the most imumediate opportunity of globalization trends is that financial resources and job opportunities seem The many roles of today's mayors to flow worldwide irrespective of national borders. Within their respective potentials and limitations, entrepreneurial mayors may be in a position to There is no school for mayors. They learn their job on the job, on the attract investments by offering fiscal incentives, facilitating the Treets no the or t hey leareets. the Job, learn. population's access to the job market, developing training schemes in streets. And the snore they know the streets the more they learn. partnership with academiic/technical institutions, offering a higher quality Today's streetwise mayor borrows his or her skills from a variety of of life, facilitating transport and communication channels, and promoting other professions. technological exchanges and other initiatives. * The mayor as entrepreneur. The mayor should work with the - Competition and cooperation between cities. If. on the one hand. private sector to grow both the formal and informal economies. At the decentralization and globalization seem to place cities and metropolitan foral level, local leaders can attract, involve, and stimulate the private areas in new competitive arenas for resources and investments, the level of cooperation among cities, on the other hand, is reaching unprecedented sector through a variety of public-private partnerships contracting of levels. The strengthening of cities' associations and NGOs that work services, concession/franchising, leasing, management buyout, build- directly with local authorities and communities has greatly facilitated the operate-transfer, build-own-operate, co-investment, etc. At the informal exchange of information and experience, as has the development of e-mail level, local leaders can facilitate the production, circulation, and and other telecommunication tools. . . . . . ' . ' Additionally, since the 1992 World Urban Forum held in Curitiba, commerclization of consumer goods; this IS particularly true i less Brazil, just before the UN Conference on Environment and Development, developed countries, where every citizen has to be some sort of "mini- major global cities' associations have understood the importance of entrepreneur" in order to survive. speaking with one voice and have been coordinating their efforts, culmi- * The mayor as conductor. It takes a very good ear to discern silent nating in the recent formation of the World Assembly of Cities and Local majorities from noisy minorities-and considerable political skills to Authorities. . . . * * deal with either. A local adrninistration is effective to the extent that it * Technological, communications/information revolution. The addresses the genuine interests of the most needy segments of the growing flow of information and improved communication facilities affects cities in at least two unprecedented ways. Externally, the potential population; in developing countries, these represent the majority. advantages include improved communications with other cities and other * The mayor as cook. Seeking out different ingredients and trying levels of government; the possibility of stronger linkages among universi- new recipes should metaphorically be part of every mavor's dailv ties, city administrations, and private sector and other institutions. routine. Local govermment is in close physical proximity to the public; Internally, advantages include the potential to improve land registry this allows it to practice various participatory approaches, try out new databases and information about the city, improved communications among internal departments, improved public relations, and the possibility ideas, and implement small-scale incremental initiatives-stimulating of increasing municipal revenues through more detailed monitoring of access and choice, stimulating a sense of belonging on the part of each property taxes. community member, creating jobs by providing incentives to labor- These trends illustrate the fact that mayors and local governments based approaches, and adapting potential solutions to the local context. cannot afford to ignore what happens internationally-no matter how The mayor as magician. Balancing multiple complaints and needs distant these issues may secn at first glance from the routine of local administration. against an inadequate budget-a predicament regularly faced by most -Jonas Rabinovitch local leaders-is like performing the complex juggling act of spinning continued on page 16 P THE UR3RN RGE December 1996 Interview with Jaime Ravinet, Mayor of Santiago, Chile I UA: Decentralization has this could be very hard to do. In given mayors a new voice and Chile, although there is great As a big city mayor, independence of actionL How, in support from the central govern- you need to have a very good your capacity as mayor of ment for the decentralization Santiago, have you used this new process, there are still many plan that allows you to distinguish freedom to promote and develop centralizing governmental localgovernment? practices that often arise in actual between what is needed now, political life. what can be done later, and RAVINET: There are two main responsibilities for big city UA: Tell us about some of thte what must wait. mayors. One is to be a political international municipalpartner- leader and to represent the city ships you've created either as interests-which is good for ing Habitat IL What did you hope ideals and dreams for a best mayor of Santiago or as presi- individuals, to achieve for municipalities at future. The second is to be a good dent of the Chilean Association this conference? manager of technical solutions to of Municipalities. UA: As only the first president of city problems; these used to be of the fnternational Union of Local RAVINET: IULA helped huge dimensions and costs. RAVINET: After a long period Authorities (ITULA) and the organize the World Assembly of Decentralization can help get both of international isolation, the City second non-European president Cities and Local Authorities tasks done better-if decentraliza- of Santiago and the Chilean from the South in 82 years, what (WACLA), which was held in tion means not only independence Association of Municipalities do you expect to achieve in terms Istanbul May 20-21, 1996. The of action, but also more resources have created very solid links with of local government cooperation World Assembly aimed to be a and financial independence. the vast majority of international on the IVorth-South axis? high-profile political event local government associations and bringing together the mayors and UA: What are the skills most unions. We've strongly supported RAVINET: ] have always said elected leaders of local authorities necessary for a mayor to operate the creation of the Latin American that the North-South relationship of all sizes from all over the world. successfully? Network of Municipal Associa- needs much irnprovement. The WACLA's purposes were, one, to tions, and we've developed many South must have the capacity to prepare a declaration for submis- RAVINET: I think that a very local projects with international define the nature of the coopera- sion to Habitat II calling on states strong political will is the most cooperation from municipal and tion between the two regions. to recognize the leading role of necessary factor to be a successful central governments. I think that People in the South are tired of local governments in achieving the mayor for a big city where there Chilcan mayors and councilors participating in programs defined conference's key goals of sustain- are often different social, eco- believe that international relations by Northern bureaucrats, who able human settlements develop- nomic, and political forces trying is a major municipal function, and may have a lot of goodwill but ment and adequate shelter for all; to achieve their own objectives. that it has a role to play in who are more interested in and, two, to establish a relational And, of course, you need to have strengthening democracy and running their own organizations structure between local govern- a very good plan that allows you efficiency at the local level. than in helping people with real ment organizations which could to distinguish between what is needs. On the other hand, there perform- a permanent coordinating needed now, what can be done UA: What do you hope to are many best and good practices role. later, and what must wait. achieve through such partner- being performed in the South that It represents a gigantic step ships? could be profitable to the North- forward on the road to decentrali- UA: As president of the Chilean or to other places in the South-if zation and the strengthening of the Association of Alunicipalities, RAVINET: There are three only the North could afford that local level of governance. Perhaps how do you continue to promote levels of benefits. First, we could kind of cooperation. As IULA its most important achievement the role of local authorities? get stronger and more trustworthy president, I am. a representative of has been the creation of a stronger municipal institutions-which is both sides, and I have been and more unified voice for local RAVINET: Any association of good for the country as a wholc. encouraging the participation of governments vis-A-vis the UN and municipalities must play a mainly Second, we could take advantage the organization in North-South other international agencies. For political role in the broadest of the knowledge and best city networks that encourage the first time, delegates represent- possible sense. It must represent practices that are being performed cities to benefit from municipal ing local government organiza- the whole municipal level, facing in other cities to solve our local international cooperation. tions had the right to participate in central and regional govermments; problems-which is good for the UN conference deliberations it must also represent the munici- city. And third, our citizens could UA: As IULA president, one of through Rule 61. H pal voice, facing the national have better opportunities for their your first major tasks was to community. In a country with a businesses and to develop their chair the mayors' conference strong tradition of centralization, own particular international taking place in the days preced- IHE UR5RH RGE nvr-1-7 r lOOf Devolution of Power in Allahabad by Patoalekha Clhatterjee Patralekha Chatterjee is a former student of the Refugee Studies Programme. University of Oxford, and a development journalist. She is currently based in NJew Delhi. X ALLAHABAD. Situated on most municipalities in the state, state legislature at its whim. Joshi cites a garbage-to-power the confluence of two of India's including Allahabad, have been Elections to municipalities are project-one of several income- holiest rivers-the Yamuna and running up huge deficits. And now the responsibility of state generating public-private partner- the Ganga-Allahabad, in the even though the state government election commissions. And, in ships slated to go on stream in the state of Uttar Pradesh, boasts an pays compensation, that's not one-third of the cities in any state, next six months. In this effort, illustrious history. The city was enough. In Allahabad, the area only women can compete for the vacant land belonging to the intimately connected with the under the municipality's j urisdic- mayor's post. municipality is being leased to country's struggle for indepen- tion has increased substantially, as private entrepreneurs. In return, dence. It was the hometown of has the population. Add to that Partnerships needed to effect these firms are entitled to convert Jawaharial Nehru, India's first the rising wage bill, inflation, and change the refuse into electricity for sale. prime minister. And many of the corruption, and it's easy to see The Allahabad municipality is country's leading politicians why there is little money available But much more needs to be also working on an ambitious, studied at the prestigious to provide basic civic amenities. done before devolution of power multipronged strategy to tackle Allahabad University. Today, takes place in the real sense, waste disposal and the problem of however, the townt has lost much Reforming a local responsibility points out Dr. Rita Joshi., a bird strikes on aircrafts. The of its sheen. professor of history and the first action plan involves setting tup a The Indian federal system has directly elected mayor of modern, L S8560,000 carcass Poor city, poor amenities a three-tier institutional infrastruc- Allahabad. Today, people expect utilization plant at Karamat ki ture, with the central government more from mayors, but their Chowk. Most of the funding (75 A truck carrying garbage at the top, state governments in administrative and financial percent) will be provided by the tumbles over potholes. Much of the middle, and local governments powers have not increased Indian govermnent; Allahabad the waste drops out. Approaching at the grassroots. The onus of significantly. In the wake of the will provide the remaining 25 Karamat ki Chowk on the providing basic services and 74th Amendment, states were left percent. outskirts of Allahabad, the stench implementing many development to amend their own laws relating is overwhelming. Hundreds of programs falls on the local bodies. to municipal corporations. "Without talking of the vultures hover over decomposing While India has possibly the Joshi notes that in Uttar ailments, there is no cure" cattle, dogs, and cats. At day- largest number of democratically Pradesh, only minor changes were break, trolleys carrying 50 or elected local governments in the made in the law. The newly To ensure strong partnerships elected mayors are angry, which that will result in meaningful People expect more from Joshi blames on the bureaucrats: change, the balance of power has "It is they who drafted the to shift in favor of elected mayors, but their administrative and amendments. In a document of representatives of urban local financial powers have not 300 pages, there are only three bodies. references to mayors. The One of the first steps to this increased significantly. bureaucrats were assured that real end has been the establishment of power stayed with them." the Uttar Pradesh Mayors' more dead animals are brought world, the 3 million elected Joshi believes that to effect Council, of which Joshi is the here by domes (a low-caste representatives who manage more change, local bodies must build general secretary. Its charter of community in India). The than 250,000 rural and urban local strategic alliances with the district demands includes a request for skinning is done manually, and bodies have to keep running to the admninistration, the state govern- more administrative and financial the carcasses left to the vultures, state and central governments for ment, and the central government powers for the mayors and other Streetlights do not work. The money. In 1992, the 74th Amend- as well as with the private sector, elected members of the munici- roads are in desperate need of ment to the Constitution of India nongovernmental organizations, pality. The cotncil would also repair. Basic amenities such as sought to strengthen the country's and comnmunity-based organiza- like the people's representatives safe drinking water and electricity urban local governments. tions. These partnerships will to have more say in how the are not available to many resi- Until the new law came into work best if there is coordinated municipality is run on a day-to- dents. effect, mayors were indirectly action between local self- day basis. The root problem is lack of elected, and the job was largely govermnent, district administra- "If our demands are not met," money. In 1989, the state govern- ceremonial. The 74th Amendment tion, and state government. says Joshi, "We will go directly to ment did away with the octroi changes all that. It stipulates that the people. We will hold meetings (toll tax) in Uttar Pradesh. This elected people's representatives Burgeoning partnership efforts at street corners." She continues: tax accounted for 70 percent of initiate and implement civic "We have to get real. Without the revenuc of the Allahabad management, and that no elected Some partnership efforts are talking of the ailments, there is no municipal corporation. Since then, local body be superseded by a already beginning to blossom. cure." H ME URBR AGRCE December 1996 NOIII TH M E RI CH Interview with Beverly O'Neill, Mayor of Long Beach, California Long Beach is a ciay of 440, 000 peoplefronting the Pacific Ocean. and is the second largest city in Los Angeles County, located approxi- 1 mately 20 milesfrom downtown Los Angeles. It is a city in economic transition with the city's economy movingfrom one based on oil, l aerospace, and defense, to onefocused on tourism, international trade, and advanced technologies. UA: In this new and increasingly natural assets we enjoy. For ing a $400 million loan as the with local government taking the competitive global economic example, we're promoting and final component of an innovative lead in sales of revenue bonds. environment, what should the building on our Pacific Ocean federal-state-local financing And the project's leaders-drawn mayor's role be? location. We've expanded our package. The project is a from local government and convention center, will open the dedicated 20-mile rail linc business-have joined together to O'NEILL: Mayors and local state-of-the-art Long Branch linking the Ports of Long Beach comprise the board of directors of governments must act proactively Aquarium of the Pacific in 1998, and Los Angeles with rail a nonprofit organization which and strategically to create and have begun construction on switching lines on the outskirts will operate the aquarium when it competitive economic environ- Queensway Bay, a waterfront retail of L.A. It epitomizes public- opens. ments, forge partnerships, and and entertainment development. private partnerships, with facilitate consensus building. As We are also working to create an literally every level of govern- UA: Tell us about some of the mayors, one of our most impor- environment for advanced technol- ment-from President Clinton to innovations your administration tant roles is to be an advocate for ogy, seizing opportunities to turn California Govemor Pete has designed to stimulate private our cities-whether it be in the the closing naval facilities into pro- Wilson-and the business sector investment in Long Beach. neighborhoods, the corporate ductive economic generators. An community working together to boardroom, or at other levels of example is Boeing's SeaLaunch make the project a reality. O'NEILL: As I've indicated, government. program, which will use part of the We have taken every opportu- Long Beach is undergoing an naval station as a port for converted nity to develop relationships enormous economic transforma- UA: What kinds of skills are oil tankers that will travel out to sea abroad as well: with China, tion, and we have achieved many required of today's mayors? successes. The challenge before As mayors, one of our us now is to let the world know O'NEILL: In these times of most im ortant roles is to be an that Long Beach is a great place change and diversity, we know i for business, tourism, education, that there are no clear soltitions, advocate for our cities-whether it be arts, health care, and so on. We only alternatives and consensus are in the process of establishing a building. Perhaps the greatest skill in the neighborhoods, the corporate public-private partnership of required of mayors and local boardroom, or at other levels of investors who will fund and direct elected officials is to know when our marketing efforts. The dialogue and hearings need to government. initiative is unique, in that we are end-and action needs to begin. attempting to link together diverse and launch commercial satellites. Japan, Mexico, and other nations marketing partners leveraging UA: What were some of the What I have attempted to do as to foster international trade and resources to maximize our impact. priority issues you faced on mayor is to not only work to move promote foreign investment and We have a great message to tell, becoming mayor? our economy into the future, but to tourism in Long Beach, and with and, by working together, we will encourage our citizens to take great our eight Sister City partner- encourage local businesses to O'NEILL: Long Beach has lost pride in our achievements. For ships-Bacolod, Philippines; expand and attract new invest- over 58,000 jobs since 1991-a example, the U.S. Environmental Meru, Kenya; Pohang, Korea; ment to the city. $4 billion annual economic Protection Agency named us the Qingdao, China; San Jose del Another project we've been impact-due to the doNvnsizing of first "Clean City" in the West. Cabo, Mexico; Sochi, Russia; working on is a massive survey the aerospace industry, closure of Too often we get overwhelmed Valparaiso, Chile; and and interview process to find out the naval station and shipyard, by the day-to-day challenges-and Yokkaichi, Japan. We have also how our local firms are doing and and the general downturn in the there are many and forget the fostered business, education, and what we can do to improve theit Southern California economy. importance of celebrating success cultural exchanges. business. This initiative gave us Long Beach also suffered from a Our overall revitalization plan an opportunity to assess what lack of pride, often seeing itself as UA: What kinds ofpartnerships was developed and is being set in local firms think about doing a city lost in the Los Angeles have you developed either locally motion-by a partnership among business in the city, their aware- basin-a city with great potential or internationally to improve the local government, business, ness of business assistance but few actual accomplishments. regeneration of Long Beach? education, and community programs, and regulatory changes My most immediate priority organizations. For example, the we need to make to improve their was to move our economic O'NEILL: The federal govern- $117 million linancing needed competitiveness. We've created a transition forward quickly and ment is partnering with us in the for the Aquarium of the Pacific benchmark and have begun to create awareness within and $1.8 billion Alameda Corridor project was developed jointly by assess local firms annually to outside the city about the great transportation project; it is provid- the city and business leaders, gauge our progress. 3 THE URRmH RG6 Derem.ber /996 I T R L Y Mayors on the Frontline of National Economic Change by Giovanni Paducla Giovanni Padula is an economics Journalist living in NewJ, York City. NAPLES. Every year for the banks and the treasury. Moreover, is the first Italian city to sell on governments in certain next 10 years, the City of Naples bonds promote budgetary discip- the Milan stock exchange 51 depressed areas the power to will print a new postcard. But it line, since they push a city to percent of its municipal water and negotiate flexible job-market rules won't be a picture of a glittering pursue economic efficiency and gas company, earning the city and salaries. These areas also can sea or golden baroque church, and optimal results. $130 million, interest-free. Naples introduce fiscal incentives to tourists won't find it at the is negotiating the sale of 40 attract new companies. newsstands. Rather, this limited Seeking power to carry out percent of its airport to British Additionally, Parliament may edition "cartolina" will frame a municipal responsibilities Airways, which would also soon approve a provision that detailed copy of the muni- cipality's financial records: it will On average, Italian municipali- Mayors are turning to a mix of be signed by the mayor and sent ties today finance 80 percent of overseas to the New York Stock their budget with central govern- innovative and traditional tools to Exchange where, since last ment funds and 20 percent with enhance the competitiveness of their spring, Naples has listed a $200 local taxes (mainly property million municipal bond issue. taxes). But some estimates local economies. suggest that in a few years- Municipal bonds: A new tool especially if the federalist reform manage the airport. allows mayors to appoint city of the country takes off-central "Privatization and joint managers whose duties would Naples, home to 1.3 million government funding will decrease ventures are an unavoidable resemble those of a corporation's inhabitants or almost 3 million and local funding incrcase to 50 trend," says Enzo Bianco, who chief executive officer. "Munici- including the metropolitan area, is percent each. was elected mayor of Catania, palities are becoming entities Italy's first local government to Since the electoral reform of Sicily, on a strong anti-Mafia aimed at serving the citizens' issue a municipal bond. Aimed at 1993, which first created the platform. Today, Bianco also interests with a managerial-type renovating the city's ground institution of citizen-elected represents Italy's mayors as organization," says Riccardo Illy, transportation system, the bond mayors, Italian mayors have been chairman of the National Associa- mayor of Trieste. received a good rating by pushed to the forefront of national tion of Italian Municipalities. "If Moody's and a lower, but still policy. "We've got a lot of the state is also selling strategic Backlash and concerns encouraging, rating by Standard responsibilities, but we don't have assets like telecommunications & Poor's. power," says Massimo Cacciari, and energy, how can municipali- The mayors' ascendancy to The recent entry of ltalian mayor of Venice. Not surpris- ties possibly preserve direct and econornic and political prominence cities into international capital ingly, mayors are asking for much exclusive control of local eco- is generally popular. The regions, markets was triggered by a 1995 more fiscal autonomy and for nomic activities?" Bianco asks. however, are worried about losing law that lets cities, provinces, and radical institutional reforms. Even Rome and Milan have their intermediate position in regions issue bonds to finance Moreover, mayors are also asking embarked on a partnership government. They push for local public projects able to for the elimination of the complex program. The mayor of Rome, institutional reform that won't give generate a return. "By listing this and redundant national bureau- Franco Rutelli, is privatizing the stronger autonomy to the cities. issue on the New York Stock cratic agencies (seven in all) that municipal milk company and has Some prominent Italian chamber Exchange, we took [the law] a control and supervise municipali- created a joint venture with of commerce officials rail against step further," says Antonio ties' decisions. private partners to sell the the "omnivorous mayor." They Bassolino, the flamboyant mayor municipality's vast real estate note that during the age of the of Naples, who is portrayed as Tools and approaches properties. Milan found a private medieval communities, the real "SuperBassolino" on T-shirts sold partner to create a second cable engines of growth were merchants by children in the streets. "We Mayors are turning to a mix of system in the city in competition and local craftsman guilds not want to be subject to an even innovative and traditional tools to with Telecom, the state's telecom- mayors. Cities, according to this more rigid control by the market: enhance the competitiveness of munications company. line of thought, are too focused on We must disclose more informa- their local economies and offer Cities are at the forefront of themselves to generate economic tion, be more transparent." more effective services to creating incentives to attract prosperity beyond their borders. Many other Italian mayors, citizens. The use of municipal investment by private businesses, Globe-trotting, deal-making including those in most of the bonds is on the rise. Partnerships and the central government has mayors shouldn't underestimate richer northern cities, think that with the private sector and sustained their efforts. A recent the challenge: At home their municipal bonds are an important privatization are very popular. law passed by Parliament opens a portraits may adorn t-shirts, but economic opportunity. As a Cities like Turin and Trieste are traditionally closed economic abroad they are only as attractive funding source, they are less leading the privatization process triangle: unions, business repre- as the cities they are trying to expensive than the two traditional with municipal utilities and sentatives, and the central restore. X borrowing avenues commercial transportation companies. Genoa government. The law gives local THE URRRN RGE December 1996 SHOTH AFRICR Interview with Nicky Padayachee, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Johannesburg Transitional Metropolitan Council UA: With the abolition oJ and the developmental process Greater Johannesburg metropoli- A program was launched to apartheid and the creation of a that shape their daily living and tan government with four racially redress some of the historical new constitutional democratic working conditions. Focusing on mixed local councils in its area of aspects of neglect and poor form of government, what role has this relationship between govern- the City of Johannesburg played ment and citizens indicates a shift Change ... should consolidate a in strengthening the transforrma- in emphasis from "government" tionprocess? to "governance." process that constantly extends the ca- PADAYACHEE: I believe that UA: Whatkinds ofpartnerships pacity of ordinary people to participate one of the main factors in South and initiatives has the Greater in government, and the developmental Africa's peaceful and successful Johannesburg Transitional transition was-and still is-the Metropolitan Council created to process that shapes their daily living role that local government played reflect the new developmental and working conditions. in the uninterrupted provision of role of local government in basic services to all communities. South Africa? The whole transition process-and jurisdiction. The metropolitan services in the metropolitan area. the organizational restructuring that PADAYACHEE: Government govermient was created to In parallel with this, other followed-was managed in such a alone simply cannot meet the empower the city to meet the programs relating primarily to way that essential services such as development needs of all local challenges of'managing urbaniza- bulk services were undertaken. water, electricity, cleaning, and citizens. We will have to fmd tion and facilitating sustainable These will open up areas for new sewerage, were maintained-and creative ways of drawing in, and economic development and development in the metropolitan even improved. working with, capacity from other growth. area. The transition in South Africa, sectors to meet the challenges The world of the future will be however, is not just about political ahead. This is only possible a world of cities competing in a UA: You also face a tremendous change and the provision of basic through building relationships of global econorny. Without a strong problem offinancial integration. services. It is also about creating a reciprocal trust between local and efficient urban govermment, How is the council addressing new culture of tolerance. stakeholders. Greater Johannesburg will not be able to the issue of a rating system that Changes in structure-the bold Johannesburg is currently generate economic growth and will be considered legitimate by strokes of change-are relatively exploring four types of partner- employment, nor provide proper all residents of Johannesburg? easy to achieve. New values and a ships: intergovernmental, public- services and living conditions to new organizational culture are less private, public-community, and its residents. PADAYACHEE: The precursor easily achieved and far more multifunctional. An example of to introducing a truly equitable subtle. We have set out to ensure the latter is the Inner City UA: Wfhat kinds of measures are metropolitan fiscal dispensation is that our new organizational Development Forum, which you taking to balance the the introduction of uniforn tariffs structures and systems would brings together local and provin- provision and delivery of services for all services and of uniform reflect the new values and culture cial government, inner-city between Soweto and the rest of valuation rolls and common we are cotmmitted to instill. Cross- businesses, organized labor, and Johannesburg? assessment rate. As a result of functional teams therefore replaced various affected communities to these, the rates burden in certain hierarchies; participative manage- define priorities and mobilize PADAYACHEE: One of the areas will clearly increase. ment styles replaced autocratic energy and resources. motivations for our metropolitan A key principle that underpins management; easy, open access to system of government is to ensure our current budgets is integration information replaced monopoly on UA: One of the biggest chal- the rationalization and redistribu- and equity. This is reflected in the knowledge and information. lenges you face is thaat apartheid tion of scarce r esources on a capital provisions and the creation The most exciting challenge for had created a split city- citywide basis and to provide of a uniform rating system which the future is to build a culture and Johannesburg and Soweto. How services equitably throughout places all residents on an equal practice of democratic local do you plan to turn metropolitan areas. An analysis of footing with regard to rates and governance in Greater Johannesburg into a true city? the current metro and sub-metro taxes-a first for metropolitan Johannesburg. Change is not council budgets will reveal that local government in South Africa. simply about establishing a new set PADAYACHEE: The reintegra- there has been a deliberate shift of The long-term benefits of such a of government institutions. Rather, tion of the racially fragmented moneys to previously disadvan- policy are immeasurable and it should consolidate a process that apartheid city into a single taged areas-areas that only greatly enhance our goal of constantly extends, the rights, political, economic, and social became our responsibility removing all vestiges of the ability, and capacity of ordinary entity was one of the driving following last November's apartheid era. la people to participate in government forces behind the creation of a elections. TRE URBRN RGE December 1996 LE5BNON _. One Woman's Journey to Leadership by Nabila Farres NabilNa Farres is mukhtar of ihe Al-Rabyeh municipality in Lebainon. II AL-RABYEH. The titles-and services remain free of charge. A new family, a new town in 1984, the townspeople signed duties-of local officials vary Human relations constitute the and sent a petition to the Ministry from one Arab country to another. main link between the mukhtar I married in 1959 and moved of the Interior requesting that I An "omdah," or village mayor, in and the people of the town. The to a tow-n newly established by a become the new mukhtar (at the Egypt is called a "mukhtar" in mukhtar knows them all. The group of graduates of the Amten- time, there were no general Lebanon. The Arabic word people look to them to resolve can University in Beirut. They elections for mukhtars). At first, I "mukhtar" is derived from the their differences. conceived it as a model town and was surprised. There were many noun "ikhtiyar," or selection, named it Al-Rabyeh. I was the men in the town, but they reached since a mukhtar is elected by the "I never imagined.. ." first resident, since my husband consensus on this and urged me to inhabitants of a village or town to was one of its founders, had accept. The relevant presidential represent them in their dealings When I was a child. I never planned its main features, and decree was issued. I took the oath with the central government. The imagined that one day I would be wanted to start his new family of office, and I have been Lebanese refer to their mukhtar as in the position I have been there. This was the first sign of perfonning my duties since the sheik, or chief, of a particular selected to occupy. All [ wanted my destiny. January 1, 1985. village or town or city quarter. was to specialize in the area of What could be better for a I am the only woman mukhtar social work and work in my social worker than to be in a town in Lebanon. This is unfortunate, The mukhtar and the towns- community-related field. just under construction, a town and I hope that women will be people: Bonded by trust My family and friends had aspiring to establish roots on the given more of a chance in the next different ideas about my future. one hand and achieve modernity election since they have demon- The work of a mukhtar is My love of the Arabic language on the other? The numbers of strated their capabilities in the prescribed by the other mukhtars led my teachers to guide me families in the town soon in- field of public service. and the Mukhtar Councils' Law. toward a literary specialization. creased to five. We all worked together to build a community My work as mukhtar .. . the mukhtar has another social life. Newcomers arrived, role that is neither prescribed nor and a club was established as a I gained unique experience in meeting place for residents and the war years between 1985 and proscribed by law. This is to deal friends. Al-Rabyeh was settled. It 1990. During that time, I tried to with people's problems, being became a model for a planned, deal with the successive shocks modern town. and blows experienced by the ever-patient and -present. Lebanon-and Al-Rabych- town and its people. Handling prospered in the 1960s and '70s. daily problems and designing The mukhtar is the local civil My father hoped to see his only The numbers of houses and ways to prevent them and deal authority linking municipalities daughter standing under the vault residents increased, and the town with emergencies in the town took with the central government. of a courthouse, arguing cases became more beautiful. Soon, a lot of organization. For ex- The mukhtar carries out all like the men. My mother wanted however, war broke out, and ample, I worked with the town- transactions for the townspeople. me to become a doctor. I listened darkness engulfed our country. for the town-to prepare civil He or she records their birth, to these suggestions, all the while At that time, I was president of defense courses, to take appropri- marriage, anid death certificates: watching the children, the elderly, the Rabych Gardens' Club which ate precautions to protect property prepares their passport docu- the disabled, the orphaned-and I had helped establish in the early and the environment, to open ments; verifies their identities; looking forward to the day when I '60s. Whenever the townspeople makeshift educational and certifies their property and would be able to meet some of needed to meet, they would come recreational classes for children in inheritance; represents them vis-a- their needs. to me, asking my cooperation in the absence of regular schools, to vis all ministries; and conveys The years went by, and I public service. The organization secure shelters, to provide first aid their opinions to the relevant realized my dream. I enrolled in started to take a new direction, to the sick and homeless, to fight agencies. The mukhtar is. in short, the Lebanese American Univer- going beyond the limits of the fires, to ease the pains of the the authorized representative of sity in Beirut and obtained my town. Needs had grown, problems elderly, and to strive to meet the townspeople whom they trust B.Sc. in social studies in 1956. I had worsened-and the towns- ongoing community needs. to speak on their behalf with the started a career in the community people came together to extend a But the mukhtar has another state and to maintain the confi- field, dealing with all groups of helping hand. role that is neither prescribed nor dentiality of their personal affairs. people. I loved my Lebanon; its proscribed by law. This is to deal Mukhtars are government heritage, present, and future. The only woman mukhtar in with people's problems, being employees. They do not collect a But my specialization was the Lebanon ever-patient and -present. I think salary. And, although they are only thing I planned. Everything this is the real meaning of the title entitled to receive fees, their else was charted by fate. When the town's mukhtar died "mukhtar"-the village chief. * THE URURN RCE December 1996 AnsweringOto Local Com nity Fun ding Needs , bY Benjamin Warnkie and Mustafa Mourad Benjamin Warnkie is program director offinance and Mustafa Mourad is director oflanning at dhe Enterprise Foundation, Columbia, Maryland. COLUMBIA. Where U.S. provided to cities for broad paralleled in urban comnunities technical assistance to munici- cities are concemed, the diver- purposes with far fewer federal in many developing countries. palities and community-based gent visions of the Clinton regulations. There, international development NGOs. administration and the current ageincies have looked to place Following are several Republican Congress align. This An unfamiliar role funding decisions in the hands of advantages to selecting an agreement is strange, given the local or regional organizations existing intermediary or creating historic differences Democrats 'One result of the shift in and nongovemental organiza- a new one to perfonn these and Republicans have had over funding streams is that munici- tions (NGOs). This delegation is tasks. the appropriate level of funding palities are suddenly required to intended to make these decisions Regional intermediaries for cities and the programs that articulate comprehensive plans more democratic or inclusive, are community-based. As a serve low-income urban commu- about the appropriate allocation of Often, however, existing local result, they can be intimately nities. Nonetheless, recent resources. This is, for manyy, an organizations do not have the familiar with the needs and legislation supported by both the unfarmiliar role. Needs and capacity either to assess needs or assets of a particular commu- admninistration and Congress has responses previously identified by coordinate service delivery. nity, including comrnunity fundamentally changed the the federal government now must A similar problem exists in leaders and strong community manner in which services are be identified by local and regional those developing countries that organizations, as well as funding delivered to cities, governments, some of which are have recently held their first priorities and particular develop- simply unequipped for the democratic mayoral and other ment gaps. Shift from federal control of challenge of such a process. local elections. Mayors, who used * Regional intermediaries local spending In part, the difficulty lies in the to find their support in centrally can operate independently. need for the process, if it is to be administered national govern- Because they are nonprofit and Until recently, federal funds effective, to be participatory. For ments, now need to court voters, should rely on a board of for housing, economic develop- example, most poor conununities While this change has focused directors with broad commnunity, ment, and other community in the United States now rely on attention on constituent services, political, and business represen- development efforts flowed to neighborhood-based nonprofit city governments in developing tation, regional intermediaries municipalities through dozens of organizations, or community countries-like many of their can allocate resources and federal programs-with many development corporations American counterparts-may not provide technical assistance strings attached. For each I(CCs), for somne basic services, be able to dissemninate resources according to long-term strategic program, Congress established whether these be housing, health through a strategic and participa- plans-not plans designed for target populations, funding and daycare, or employment. tory process. the next election. levels, and guidelines; the cities Because CDCs were often Regional intermediaries then shared the task of adminis- established in response to the One solution: Regional can coordinate service deliv- tering these programs with failure of municipal governments intermediaries ery. Because they have regional federal agencies. to provide adequate support, the mandates, regional intermediar- Set in a historical context, the relationship between city and In the United States, some ies can ensure that services are desire for strong federal control CDC was often adversarial. municipalities have turned to not duplicated and that resources of local spending priorities and Nonetheless, if municipalities regional nonprofit commnunity are divided in a strategic, regulations is understandable. hope to develop and implement development and poverty programmatic way across Most anti-poverty programs effective commumity developmrent alleviation intermediaries to neighborhoods or smaller were enacted during the 1960s, strategies, they must rely on administer and allocate block municipalities. at a time when state control and partnerships with nleighborhood- grant funding and other resources * Regional intermediaries states' rights were nearly based groups for several reasons. for housing and economic can build the capacity of local synonymous with segregationist CDCs can speak effectively for development. As their name nonprofit organizations. policies. Today, however, the residents of the neighborhood suggests, these intermediaries Intermediaries, at their best. advocates for a strong federal in which they operate. Also, in intermediate between funders- aggregate knowledge accumu- role have nearly all vanished. many mid-siied and smaller whether these be government lated from multiple interactions Congress, with the adminis- American cities, CDCs have agencies or charitable founda- with funders and community- tration's support, has swept aside acquired develomentexpertise tios-ad nonprofits to ensure based service providers. This the old system for funding across a range of disciplines. ta eachaty understands the expertise can be passed to local community development needs, expectations, and terminol- organizations through project- initiatives. In its place stands the Parallel problemsB in devseloping og o ethther. Beyond resource specific technical assistance, block grants process. under countries trainallocati itiaries c training classes, and publica- which funding from many IC- serve aslocal enginesfoenhanc- tions. programs is consolidated into The difficulties faced byving paricipation, increasing blocks of money that are American citiesf arlyf capitalinvestment, and deliverg continued on page 13 > THE URBAN RE December 1996 THEAMERICAN H R A I T R T 11 U P R T IE URBAN CHALLENGE F * of continued from page 12 Highlights of the Fnal DeclaratLion of the Intermediaries in action World Assembly of Cities and Local Many effective regional Authoritites at Habitat II intermediaries now operate in the United States. Among these is the Below are highlights of thef l text of the Final Dectaration of the WorldAssembly of Cities and Local Authorities Reg*onal Housing Alliaece -at the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II), held in Istanbul in May 1996. Regional Houising Alliance (REIA), a nonprofit organization The World Assembly of Cities and cooperation among local authorities, international cooperation to created by businesses and Local Authorities (WACLA), in the and implementing the conference's complement bi- and multilateral foundations in the city and county Habitat 11 Final Declaration, makes recommendations within the cooperation. of St. Louis, Missouri, to assess note of various recent global representatives' reahns of responsi- * Ensure equitable and propor- transformations. andthe resulting need bility.- tional distribution of resources to affordable housing needs and to define partnership processes to. local authorities to help them battle solutions from a regional perspec- ensure viable, supportive, safer, and The role of the private sector poverty, unemployment, and tive. St. Louis, like many cities healthier human settlements. exclusion and to ensure decent across America's Northeast and . The private sector should living conditions for their popula- Mfidwest industrial belt, has seen Guiding principles recognize good corporate citizen- tions. ship responsibilities and opportisni- a large proportion of its inhabit- sl ewsblte n poai a larg propotion o its ihabit-The Final Declaration states that: ties as it pursues its busintess The role of the International ants move to its suburbs over the * The town is the pivotal humnan activities. It should help search for community past 30 to 40 years. The city, settlement around and within which new anid innovative forns of which had a population of economic growth and sustainable cooperation and pubiic-private The international conrmunity 800,000 in 1955, now has fewer development, the invention of our partnership. should: funtre and a renewed vision of ~~~~Make sustainable human than 400,,000 residents, On the lhiumand progress, among other The role of iternational development a high priority and other hand, the population of St. important goals, will be determined. associations of cities and local mobilize appropriate resources to Louis County has grown expo- -The future of our towns and authorities this end. nentially over this period, and cities must be conceived and Encourage the establishment of now boasts almost 1 million organized arounid the concept of The Final Declaration sets forth democratically elected local sustainable human development. suggested mechanisms by which authorities in those countries where residents. With the increasing - Tokwns and cities must be made international associations of cities these do not yet exist deterioration of the older, inner more aware of the concepts of and local authorities will wvork as an * Draw up a worldwide charter ring of suburbs, competition sustainable environmentl manage- institutional partner of the UN and - - of local self-government. between the city and county for ment. its agencies. These include setting :In adapting the Habitat Agenda affordable housing dollars has - The problems of congestion and - up a committee that will investigate and its global plan of action into grown. R A resolves this pollution caused by the traffic growtb the establishment of an International national plans and local agendas, grown. RHA resolves this in towns must be overcome. Fund for Human Development. look to the experience of local struggle by providing develop- - Towns and cities must invigo- - ' - authorities in implementing local ment funds to affordable housing rate, rather than impoverish, mural The role of the states Agenda 21 programs. projects across the region, by areas. . Collaborate with national, supporting both city and county * Towns and cities must give more States should: regional, and international associa- nonprofits through techn'Icl attention to social integration and the - Recognize the role of cities and tions of local authorities to provide nonprofits IthrOUg techmical - struggle against exclusion. local authorities in sustainable support for existing training assistance and advocacy efforts, * Sustainable human development development and implement programs and to set up new ones. and by encouraging local and must be conceived and enacted at the policies aimed at mobilizing more - * Use and support direct national corporations and local level. - - resources for urban development- cooperation between towns and businesses to fund partictilar * Decentralization should be the - Work to improve the supply of local authorities in bi- and multilat- projects. favored approach in promoting - building land and housing, security eral programs of cooperation and sustainable human development and of tenure, and smooth operation of development assistance. A successful regional internie- the good governance of human - land and housing niarkets; and - Allow city and local authority diary responds to local conditions settlements. encourage public and private - representatives to serve on the and needs. In bridging the gaps ' Decentralization policies should investinent in urban infrastructure Commission on Human Settlements bet-ween national or international acknowledge the strategic role to be and services. - ' * Systematically involve funding agencies and local com- played by local authorities. Help ensure a constructive national, regional, and international . - Local. authorities must have : national dialogue by retaining - associations of local authorities in munity organizations, intennedi- adequate powers and resources to national conimittees established for the Indicators Progranme and Best aries are effective-and often undertake their responsibilities. Habitat It. ' Practices Initiative. innovative-tools for community * Local authorities mrust establish * Take up, follow through, and - Explore ways and means of development. And, like most stable and sustainable means of intensify decentralization policies, improving the effectivess of successful development models, financial, social, technical, and - Establish an institutional and --cooperation and development cultural cooperation among human - legal framework for the exercise of assistance and increasing the regional intermediaries offer - settlements. - local democracy. - resources allocated to urban solutions to the needs of urban * Grant constitutional and legal development and muinicipal conumunities in both the develop- WACLA's commitments a autonomy to local authorities to - management. ing and industrialized worlds. fulfill their fundarnental role of -WACLA makes several specific managing human settlements. commitments of its time, resourceg, -. Support and encourage national and personnel to achieve its objec- associations of local authorities as tives. These include according-every they organize and strengthen local- opportunity for -fill access and level capacities. participation by women in municipal * Use and facilitate municipal decisionrnaking, strengthening direct and other-forms of decentralized THE UDRRR flE SUB IRs Cities and Governance: impact on urban government. local governments, according to efficiency, among others. To New Directions in Latin While in the past North-South the World Bank. Nonetheless, carry out these initiatives, local America, Asia and Africa trade patterns used to be focused questions remain regarding authorities partner with groups in _______________ ~oin the extraction of minerals and their own commtunities and with 'by Patricia L. McCarney on industrial and manufacturing municipalities and agencies EU (ed.). Centre for Urban and industries, today-with the throughout the world. The book Community Studies, Universiry of growth in international trade- provides examples of striking Toronto, 455 Spadina A venue, there is a proliferation of free 5 improvements thus made. For Toronto MSS 2G8, Canada, 1996. trade zones and enterprise instance, in 1990 the municipal ISBRA1 0- 7727-1407-X development areas connected by government of Zhanjiagang in information systemis and global - China launched a highl success- This book posits that there is telecommunications. As a result, fud integrated environmental more to urban "governance" than to attract and retain multinational ˝ : program. City dwellers partici- just urban "government." Gover- and transnational corporations, pated in program decisionmaking; nance is not simply a matter of increased pressure is placed on this resulted in concrete plans for state bodies and state actions. local governments to provide a economic improvements, environ- Rather, there are many other high standard of services which decentralization. For one thing, its mental protection, and household groups in cities' civil society that will improve the efficiency and structural and administrative investments. Housing, basic are involved in the governing quality of life. aspects have to be addressed; services, public transport, sewage, relationship or that interact with even once they are, local govern- solid waste treatment, and it-nongovernmental organiza- The Changing Nature of ment is still not necessarily emissions control all were thereby Local Government in representative or ef'fective. The greatly improved. Developing Countries more techniocratic side of decen- Meanwhile, as Gilbert etr at. ___j___eveloping____Cowntries___ tralization does not automatically relate, Villanueva, a city in by Patricia L. McCarney (ed.). lead to a system of local govern- Honduras, has set a positive Centre for Urban and Commnunity ment that is accountable and example in fiscal empowerment. Studies, University of Toronto, responsive to the needs and In 1989, Villanueva had a 455 Spadina Avenue, Toronto demands of local citizens. In fact, delinquency rate on property M5S 2G8, Canada, 1996. ISBN 0- since decentralization has been taxes of 85 percent, revenues 7727-1406-1. found not to guarantee democracy received by the municipality were at a local level, research is now not accounted for by any accepted This book summarizes the results under way about the relationships accounting method, and only one of research done into local among deccntralization, democ- in four households had piped government in I0 cities in racy, and governance. drinking water. However, as a tions, private sector organizations, developing countries-Burkina cornmunity groups, and social Faso, Chile, Cote d'lvoire, Making Cities Work: The advocates. Furthermore, many Ecuador, Mexico, the Philippines, Role of Local Authorities income-generating activities in Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam, and in the Urban Environment towns and cities function outside Zimbabwe. One of the book's _ the formally recognized and main findings is that in many by Richard Gilbert, Don statistically recorded economy. parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin Stevenson, Herbert Girardet, and For instance, in Lima, Peru, America, highly centralized states Richard Stren. Earthscan Publi- informal economic activities often have often predominated-a cations Ltd, 120 Pentonville outnumber the formal economic useful situation after struggles for Road, London NI 9JN England, activities. About 83 percent of independence and during periods 1996 ISBN 1-85383-3541. Lima's markets are informal of domestic and/or regional sector markets; 95 percent of its conflict. In recent years, however, The main argument of this book is public transport system is run by with the spread of democracy in that local authorities should be at result of the autonomy granted the informal sector; and between many countries, coupled with a the center of efforts aiming to Honduran municipalities in 50 and 70 percent of the housing widespread application of improve the environment in cities. 1990-and with technical occupied by urban dwellers is programs of structural adjustment The book outlines some of the assistance and aid from intema- informal. Moreover, in the and their accompanying decen- practical measures local authori- tional agencies-by 1994 absence of strict urban planning tralization strategies, the urban ties have taken around the world Villanueva's delinquency rates for laws, private sector organizations landscape has changed. as well as the policies that will property taxes had sharply and commercial interests have Decentralization is a growing enable them to take matters decreased, its revenues had basically had a free hand in the phenomenon. Indeed, in the 75 farther. The initiatives discussed increased more than tenfold, and way land is used and developed in developing countries of the world cover housing and employment the whole population had access Lima. with populations of more than 5 schemes, traffic management and to drinking water. At the other extreme, the million, all but 12 have started public transport, waste recycling, global economy is also having an some form of transfer of power to urban agriculture, and energy THE URRRN RGE I - An THE URBRN CRLENDRR Below is a selection of urban events and training cowfrses cuilled fromi The Urban Age 's current files. FWe are not always able to list events more than once, given space limitations. Please refer to past issues of The Urban Agefor additional events scheduled in 1996. Send your announce- ments to: The Editor, The Urban Age, Room S6-147, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA. Fax: 202-522- 3232, e-mail: mbergenCworldbank.org Conferences Education Programs anod rouses ~~~~~~~~~~~~~- - -- - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - Port-Louis, Mauritius-April 6-10,1997. IULA 33rd World New Orleans, Louisiana-The 13th annual International Program - Congress: Local Governance for the Third Millennium: for Port Planning and Management (IPPPM), to be held at the World Decentralization, Diversity and Partnership in the Global Village. Trade Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, March 3-14, 1997, is Contact: 33rd IULA World Congress Secretariat, City Hall, Port-Louis, sponsored by the Board of Commissioners of the Port of New Orleans, Mauritius. Tel: 230-211-9494; fax: 230-211-9495; e-mail: the Morld Trade Center of New Orleans, the Louisiana State University iula97cbow.intnet.mu National Ports and Waterways Institute, and the University of New Orleans. The program is designed to help maritime industry executives Newcastle, Australia-June 2-6, 1997. Pathways to Sustainability. sharpen practical skills and strengthen conceptual understanding in Contact: Mike Mouritz, Conference Program Coordinator, Newcastle general maritime planning and management fields. Contact: Director, City Council, P.O. Box 489, Newcastle 2300, New South Wales, IPPPM, University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA. Australia. Tel: 61-49-299172; fax: 61-49-252508; e-mail: Tel: 504-280-6519; fax: 504-280-6272. nccapeg.apc.org University of Birmingham-The Development Administration Group, London, England--June 19 20, 1997. The Challenge of Environ- School of Public Policy, at the University of Birmingham offers the mental Management in Metropolitan Areas. Contact: Sonja Jansen, following programs for senior officials: Mobilizing Financial Re- Conference Secretary, Institute of Commonwealth Studies, 28 Russell sources for Local Government, April 21-May 2, 1997; Improving Square, London WC1BB 5DS, UK. Fax: 44-171-255 2160; e-mail: Accountability Control and Audit in the Public Sector, May 5-23, dpuaucl.ac.uk 1997; Managing with Market-Type Mechanisms: Improving Financial Management for Devolved and Decentralized Institutions, June 2-13, New York City-July 28-30,1997. Second International Colloquium 1997; and Improving Financial Performance in Local Government, of Mayors, International Conference on Governance for Sustainable April 14-June 13, 1997. Contact: Yvonne Swaine, Program Adminis- Growth and Equity. Contact: Jonas Rabinovitch, Manager, Urban trator, Developinent Administration Group, School of Public Policy, Development Team, United Nations Development Programme, One The University of Birmingham, Edgebaston, Birmingham Bi 5 2TT, United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA. Tel: 212-906-5780; UK. Tel: 44-121-414-4969; fax: 44-121-414-7164; e-mail: fax: 212-906-6973. DAG@L)bham.ac.uk NEWSLINE Hllahabad India, Hosts Reqionai worHshop on Women in Urban Local eovefnments in South fsia In the wake of the Beijing Platforn for Action-which urges governments, by law 30 percent of local government council seats are reserved for women. the UN, trade unions, subregional and regional bodies, and others to ensure But even where women's representation is relatively high, the quality of decisionmaking-women are actively advocating for policy changes on issues participation might be limited. Research has shown, for example, that in affecting their daily lives. Moreover, it is becoming increasingly evident that patriarchal societies- -particularly those of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh- women's issues must be articulated and addressed at all stages of urban women often vote at the behest of the male members of their family. Further- planuing and governance. - more, women councilors are often marginalized and sidelined by their male The Regional Workshop on Women in Urban Local Government in South counterparts Asia was held this December to develop a dialogue on this theme among Beijing and Habitat 11 underscored that a gender-sensitive perspective must different. city governments, organizations, and groups. The three-day be incorporated into urban planning and govemance. This can be achieved by workshop dealt with various issues concerning women in urban local creating a participatory, supportive environinent for women to address issues. govermnents, with a particular emphasis on the experiences of the South Asia subregion. Objectives Background The workshop aimed to: * develop coordinated regional action programs fbr the advancement of Research conducted by Fredrich Ebert Stiftung and the Women in women in urban local government as a followup to the Beijing conference; and Development Section of ESCAP indicates that increasing the role of women - strengthen indigenous, regional institutions to provide support to local in local govemance involves addressing (1) women's participation in local groups promoting the advancement of women in urban local government. governance and (2) the level and quality of their representation. Although To this end, four working groups were created during the workshop: these women's representation in urban local governments is higher than in national addressed. respectively: and provincial govemnments, they still only account for between 5 and 10 * women's participation and representation in local governance, percent of all local councilors. The exception to this premise is India. where - gender-sensitive plaming, * the role of the media and communication, and The workshop was organized bv United Nations Economic and Social Commission for capacity building and advocacy. Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in cooperation with the Ministry of Urban Affairs and Emplovment of the Governmenr of India, the City ofAllahabadc and the Human These topics were tackled by female mayors and urban local government Settlement Management Institute, and institute ofthe housing and Urban Development representatives from South Asian cities; and representatives from nongovetn- Corporation. Fundingfor the international participanms wvas pro vided by the United tmental organizations working on gender-sensitive planirng, media groups Nations DevelopmentProgramme. under the auspices of the Urban Management involved in efforts to develop awareness of women as voters, and relevant UN Progratmenfir Asia and the Pacific. and other international and regional organizations. THE VRlHI R6E fer I/wr106 NEW ROLE OF MAYORS continuedfrom page 5 whirling plates on top of long sticks. When one or more of the plates _ _ i are about to fall, the mayor has to spin them again. The mayor must see beyond each citizen's individual needs and opinions so as to make In August 1994, the International Colloquium of Mayors on Social r sound overall structural decisions. He or she must perform the Development was convened at the UN's New York headquarters. The 1 magic of keeping all the plates, big and small, spinning with event was sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme insufficient financial (UNDP) in cooperation with the United Nations Center for Human Settlements (UNCHS) and the Group of Four Plus Cities' Association as a The mayor as doctor. Mayors should always be on the alert for preparatory step toward Iabitat It. common urban planning "diseases." These include "consultivitis," Prior to the colloquium, UNDP conducted a survey of mayors world- when the city administration imports specialist consultants without wide to determine the main problems presently faced by urban areas. A adeuat inegTtio ofloal oliica PTMSSS. heformationi of sample of 135 mayors geographically distributed throughout North adequate integration of local political processes, the formabon of America, Western Europe, Eastern Eiurop, Latin American and the indigenous capacity, and technical monitoring and follow-up. Another Canbbean, Africa, the Arab States, and Asia and the Pacific answered the disease to innoculate against is "participatitis," in which city adnninis- questionnairc. trations look ingenuously to public discussions as the means to develop Unemployment was listed as the most serious urban-related problem, best solutions to problems. An agenda for participation should be followedeby inadequate housing. Other priority issues mentioned by mayors as "most severe" were, in this order, insufficient solid waste management, defined, involving different levels and scales of participation. violence and personal insecurity, urban poverty, inadequate sanitation/ * The mayor as inventor. The mayor helps create new solutions for sewerage, air pollution, lack of public transport, inadequate water supply, old problems. In doing so, mayors must challenge technological dogma inadequate social services (health, education), and insufficient participation and resist the temptation to import capital-based solutions. Technology ; and discrimination (ethliric, women, poor). Clearly, these responses demonstrate that, despite national differences, in and of itself, is no solution. Contraptions and gadgets do not replace urban problems are very simuilar worldwide. knowledge about the local context and communication with neighbor- -Jonas Rabinovitch hoods. Thus, the mayor as an inventor should balance appropriate and affordable technology hardware with the "software" of human experi- and circumstances to "raise" a city for the demands and challenges of ence and contact. the 21st century. l Regardless of the many roles the mayor plays, he or she does not work alone and he or she does not work in a vacuum. It takes a coali- .Jonas Rabin6vitch is senior urban development advisor and manager tion of forces and initiatives-local government reforms, institutional of the Urban Development Team of the United Nations Development innovations, and private sector support-for local city governance to Programme in NVew York. Previously, he worked for many years as a work effectively. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a planner and advisor to Mayor Jaime Lerner of Curitiba, Brazil, andfor complex global network of people, institutions, resources, information, various other municipalities. S -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~P ^Ea a 33. ^ 0ii3 Half-page (horizontai) ......U5$1,200 0uiside holfback cover.f ................. 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