The logic of the paper is that it uses a set of institutional factors as independent (explanatory) factors explaining various aspects of city governance.

The set of independent variables includes:

• Territorial organization – Namely choice between territorially consolidated (with large local governments) and territorially fragmented systems;

• Method to elected local councils - Proportional versus majority system;

• Formal position and nomination of local leaders - There was a strong distinction between, directly elected mayor, versus collective forms of governance with a mayor appointed by the council and being a part of a collective executive board. 

The findings of this report suggest that the three considered institutional factors matter for the style of local governance, but not as strong and not always in the direction which is suggested by debates alive in Central and Eastern Europe. Decisions on institutional reforms are sometimes made on the basis of false assumptions and without examining practical experiences in other countries in the region.

College of Urban planning & public affairs
Paweł Swianiewicz

08/07/2004

Paweł Swianiewicz

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration

Community development