Good Urban Governance

Everything about: Democracy and citizen participation, city and administration management, as well as municipal and regional networks.

Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Administration

Modern urban administration faces a complex interplay of financial constraints, legal frameworks, and the expectations of citizens. At the core of “Good Urban Governance” is municipal self-governance, which gives cities the authority to independently manage their local affairs. However, the reality is much more nuanced: while German cities have long had comprehensive responsibilities, cities in other parts of the world face limited autonomy. In particular, demographic changes and urbanization present cities with immense challenges.

Herausforderungen und Chancen in der städtischen Verwaltung

Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Administration

To expand this autonomy, strong and independent municipal associations, as well as international support, are critical. These can play an important role in promoting sustainable urban development. Additionally, a transparent and participatory approach is required, along with innovative approaches to the management of urban services. Civic participation and informal forms of citizen involvement are essential to ensure a vibrant democracy at the local level.

Herausforderungen und Chancen in der städtischen Verwaltung
Good Urban Governance thus offers a comprehensive approach to sustainable and forward-looking urban development. By strengthening municipal self-governance, fostering citizen participation, and introducing innovative administrative practices, cities worldwide can enhance their capacity and provide their citizens with a livable environment.

Our Subtopics

Urban management is crucial for the sustainable development of urban areas. It requires efficient resource management, citizen participation and cooperation between public, private and civil society actors. Especially in rapidly growing metropolises, challenges such as infrastructure, the environment and social inequalities must be overcome. Many cities are modernising their administration through reforms, IT systems and soon also artificial intelligence. In countries of the global South, these measures are improving transparency, efficiency and citizen participation, while the development of effective administrative capacities remains a challenge.

Sustainability requires networked thinking and action, especially in cities in poorer regions, where networks of actors from civil society, business and science are of crucial importance. Such co-operations promote the exchange of experiences and solutions to social, ecological and economic issues. In Germany, for example, special-purpose associations facilitate the coordinated provision of public services. Networks also improve the efficiency of administration internationally, particularly in metropolitan regions, where economic and infrastructural potential can be optimally utilised through regional cooperation.

Digital government services improve the efficiency and accessibility of public services. Citizens can complete administrative procedures online, which shortens waiting times and speeds up processes. By using digital platforms, cities and municipalities can utilise their resources more efficiently and improve service quality. It is particularly important to integrate secure and user-friendly systems that guarantee data protection. Digital services therefore not only promote better administration, but also greater citizen participation and satisfaction.

Makati: Notunterkünfte sind im Katastrophenfall schnell einsatzbereit

Good Practices are proven methods, strategies, or processes that have demonstrated exceptional success, efficiency, or effectiveness in practice. They serve as models or guidance for addressing similar challenges or projects in different contexts. Good Practices in sustainable urban development showcase innovative and successful approaches that can inspire cities worldwide. The key is to adapt and further develop them to fit local conditions, ensuring a long-term, sustainable impact.

Good Practice

Makati: Emergency Shelters Ready for Use in Case of Disaster - Well-Prepared for the Worst-Case Scenario and Intensive Communication with the Population

Makati, in the Philippines, has developed an emergency shelter system that can be quickly activated in the event of a disaster. Multifunctional buildings, which typically serve as schools or community centers, can be rapidly converted into shelters when needed. The project emphasizes the importance of prevention and resilience in disaster management.

Overview

In Makati, Philippines, emergency shelters are ready to be quickly deployed during a disaster, fulfilling the essential needs of those seeking refuge. The city’s comprehensive disaster management plan focuses on strong preparedness and intensive communication with the population.

The city of Makati faces significant disaster risks. In the event of a 200-year flood, experts estimate that the homes of up to 90,000 people could be submerged. A major earthquake could result in up to 11,500 severe injuries and 3,600 deaths per square kilometer. The city, with a population of 500,000, hosts up to five million people during the day, making disaster preparedness all the more crucial.

In the Philippines, local governments are required to allocate five percent of their budget towards disaster management, which includes the provision of emergency shelters.

Makati must provide short- and medium-term emergency shelter for people who may need to leave their homes, workplaces, or both in the aftermath of a disaster. This is a complex task that requires careful planning and preparation.

Makati has a dedicated unit responsible for coordinating and managing emergency shelters. The city has developed plans to quickly set up evacuation centers in the event of a disaster, providing not only sleeping areas but also community kitchens, childcare facilities, registration stations, and medical care centers.

During a disaster, the city uses questionnaires to assess the needs of evacuees, including determining their level of vulnerability and the extent of damage to their homes. Makati also maintains a modern and engaging communication system with the public, utilizing social media, gamification projects, public events, and disaster preparedness exercises.

Regular disaster response drills ensure that personnel are well-prepared to manage mass shelters effectively in an emergency. Additionally, comprehensive handbooks are in place to ensure smooth operations. Through their extensive risk communication efforts, the city fosters long-term trust, which is crucial during a disaster, as people are more likely to follow instructions from authorities.

Successful disaster management requires continuous effort in the form of drills, communication, and regular review and improvement of plans. Makati is working toward ensuring that its population is capable of helping themselves and others in times of crisis. Where this is not possible, careful and needs-oriented planning ensures that emergency shelters are rapidly and professionally provided.

Events and Dokumentation

Klimawandelangepasste Stadtentwicklung

Important topics for a sustainable future

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