Attributes of Governance
GovernabilityThe capacity of a city's governing systems to effectively and efficiently address the needs and challenges of urban life. What capacities are needed for good governance? What checks and balances need to be carried out? Who governs? Who is governed?
AccountabilityThe responsibility and obligation of urban governance actors to justify and take actions based on their decisions and actions, while being subject to oversight and scrutiny. How does accountability improve governance mechanisms? Resposibility and authority, guidance and support, monitoring and assessment, and approrpriate action are key for better accountaibility. How would these attributes help good governance?
TransparancyThe openness and accessibility of information, decision-making processes, and actions of urban governance, promoting public awareness and trust. Transparency calls for open communication and creating trust, inclusive decision-making and info sharing to all concerned stakeholders. How can these be integrated into a good governance system?
ParticipationThe active involvement and inclusion of citizens and stakeholders in urban decision-making processes, enabling them to contribute to shaping policies and actions. How can participation of all stakeholders be ensured? What governance structures is needed for this to happen?
ComplianceThe adherence and conformity of urban governance entities, institutions, and individuals to established rules, laws, and regulations. How can rules and laws be co-opted by concerned entities? What needs to be done especially for voluntary compliance?
CapacityThe ability and resources of urban governance actors to effectively perform their duties, carry out functions, and deliver services to the city's residents. What capacities are needed? How can such capacities be built?
M and EMonitoring and Evaluation - The systematic processes of tracking, assessing, and analyzing the progress, outcomes, and impacts of urban policies, programs, and projects. What criteria need to be monitored/evaluated? How can the data be collected? Who holds the data?
InterdependenceThe mutual reliance and interconnectedness between various urban governance actors, organizations, and sectors, highlighting the need for collaboration and coordination. How can strengths and capacities of different governance stakeholders be understood and mapped so that complementarity and interdependence be made full use of?
LegitimacyThe rightful authority and acceptance of urban governance institutions and processes by the population, ensuring their recognition and credibility. How can legitimacy be ensured? Who establishes authority? For whom?
Conflict ResolutionIdentifying a peaceful solution to a conflict or dispute that is acceptable by all concerned parties. Who ensures that conflicts are resolved? How can neutrality be maintained?
NegotiationDiscussion between groups that are in conflict or dispute, in order to bring about a peaceful and acceptable solution. How can concerned parties be identified and brought into a discussion? How can acceptable solutions be identified?
Rule-makingThe formulation, establishment, and implementation of policies, laws, and regulations by urban governance entities to guide and govern the city's activities and behavior. Who sets up the rules? For whom?
EquityThe fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits among all members of the urban community, regardless of their social or economic status. How can equity be ensured? Who decides what is fair and just?
EfficiencyThe optimization of resources, processes, and services within urban governance to achieve desired outcomes in a timely and cost-effective manner. Who determines what the desired outcomes are? How can appropriate resources be mobilized?
Tenure/OwnershipThe legal rights and arrangements that determine the ownership, control, and use of urban land, property, or assets, including housing and infrastructure. How can tenure/ownership be ligitimate and equitable?
Resilience and AdaptabilityThe ability of urban governance systems to anticipate, withstand, respond to, and recover from shocks while adapting to changing social, economic, and environmental conditions. How can cities prepare for unexpected challenges? What changes are needed to strengthen long term resilience?
SubsidiarityThe principle that decisions and actions should be taken at the lowest appropriate level, with higher levels providing support only when necessary. Which responsibilities can be delegated locally? How can coordination between different levels of government be improved?
ResponsivenessThe ability of urban governance institutions to respond promptly and effectively to the needs, concerns, and changing priorities of citizens and stakeholders. How quickly are public concerns addressed? How can feedback be better incorporated into decision making?
Strategic ForesightThe systematic exploration of emerging trends, uncertainties, and future scenarios to guide long term urban planning and policy decisions. What future trends should be anticipated? How can long term thinking be integrated into today's decisions?
