Municipalities and Community Participation A Sourcebook for Capacity Building

Poor urban communities are increasingly involved in the delivery of services and infrastructure. The state has largely withdrawn leaving municipal authorities in charge of urban development policy. But they often don't have the organizational or resource capacity to cope. This Sourcebook presents a comprehensive idea of the capacities needed for community participation to work. It sets out the options, stages and kinds of participation involved in delivering services to urban residents. It also lays out the management structures, systems, skills and attitudes needed.

'Among all the literature on participation, this is the first book I know that focuses on municipal authorities. It... also has particular importance both for higher levels of government (at national or provincial/state level) and for international agencies. Firstly, it is a reminder of the importance of well-functioning municipal governments for reducing poverty. Secondly, it is a rich source of case studies and analysis about how municipal authorities can incorporate one central component of 'good governance' - a permanent, participatory engagement with their citizens' From the Foreword by David Satterthwaite, Director, Human Settlements Programme, International Institute for Environment and Development Increasingly, governments and donors are advocating the participation of poor communities in the delivery of urban services and infrastructure. Yet local authorities responsible for implementing participatory policies often do not have the skills, organisations or resources needed, or an adequate idea of the capacity required. This sourcebook provides invaluable practical guidance for municipal officials, and others working in urban development and poverty reduction, on the range of issues to be addressed in planning and managing cities with community participation. It explains the key elements of participation, identifies common constraints and opportunities, describes the vehicles for moving participation forward and outlines the capacity building needed for a municipality to achieve participatory goals.

Foreword by David Satterwaithe *Introduction * A Strategic Framework for Municipality Capacity Building * The External Operating Context * The Elements of Participation * The Vehicles of Participation * The Internal Capacity of the Municipality * The Management Capacity of the Municipality * Framework for Action * Background to Case Studies References * Index

Jenelle Plummer is a UK consultant specialising in urban poverty and community participation in developing countries.