Urban Governance and Participation (UGP)

Urban Governance and Participation (UGP)
 

Course introduction

In an era of rapid urbanization, cities face unprecedented challenges requiring innovative governance approaches. The Urban Governance and Participation (UGP) course is a foundational component of the master’s program in Urban Management and Development. Designed to address the growing complexities of urban environments, this course equips future urban professionals with the knowledge, skills, and frameworks necessary to navigate and influence urban governance processes effectively. The students will explore key concepts in urban governance, corruption, planning, participation, and urban finances through a blend of theoretical and practical learning. Through an interdisciplinary lens, and by discussing case studies from both the Global North and the Global South, in this course students will explore theoretical/conceptual frameworks, indicators, and strategies aimed at fostering inclusive, participatory governance in urban settings.

This course stimulates critical thinking, promotes the active engagement of students with (real-life) urban challenges, and cultivates effective leadership within the realm of urban governance.

Course objectives

After the course, the students should be able to:

• Apply governance concepts and frameworks relevant to urban contexts, considering their implications for urban development and decision-making processes.
• Analyse various theories and models of urban governance, considering their strengths, weaknesses, and applicability to different urban settings.
• Assess urban governance performance based on models and indicators, utilizing different tools and relevant metrics.
• Evaluate urban policies documents in the context of urban governance, identifying key challenges and opportunities for promoting sustainable urban development.
• Evaluate the different perspectives of urban policy and planning approaches in relation to stakeholder participation in urban governance and decision-making processes.
• Apply national and local government finance concepts, including revenue generation, expenditure management, and infrastructure financing, utilizing economic analysis tools to inform decision-making in urban contexts. 

Course Content

The UGP course is structured unto four main modules, each focusing on critical aspects of urban governance and participation. 

• Introduction to Governance: Concepts, Framework, and Indicators – This module introduces fundamental concepts, frameworks, and indicators of governance across various domains including land, urban, water, environmental, e-governance, and AI governance. Core principles like transparency and accountability are explored alongside indicators such as the Worldwide Governance Indicators and the Corruption Perception Index.
• Governance Theories, Models, and Applications – In this module, students delve into governance theories and models applicable to urban contexts, such as multi-level governance and network governance. Practical tools including the Land Governance Assessment Framework and Local Integrity System Assessment Toolkit are studied.
• Participation and Policies for Urban Governance – This module covers urban policy cycles, participatory approaches, and urban planning dynamics. It examines the complexities of policy development, and public interest determination. Issues of corruption in urban planning are addressed.
• Financial Management in Urban Governance – This module focuses on the financial aspects of governance, providing students with an understanding of the economic and financial dynamics that influence urban development. The course will cover revenue sources for local governments, such as taxes, fees, and intergovernmental transfers, as well as expenditure decisions. Students will participate in a simulation game that reflects national-level financial decision-making for land administration, allowing them to experience the complexities and challenges faced by governments in managing finances and making investment decisions.

Course Information