2005 Global Report on Human Settlements: Financing Urban Shelter
UN-HABITAT, 2005
Mona Serageldin, David Jones, François Vigier and Elda Solloso coauthored the background paper Municipal Finance: Conditions and Trends for the UN Habitat 2005 Global Report on Human Settlements. Based on extensive research, the chapter documents the wide range of problems that face municipal authorities in financing urban development as they respond to the challenges of major shifts in their economic base resulting from falling trade barriers and a globalizing economy. The case studies document sources of municipal revenues, the evolution of spending patterns as result of decentralization, and the impact of privatization of public services. The emphasis is placed on new approaches developed by emerging economies and poor countries, where the challenges are the greatest and the resourceconstraints the most acute.
Assessment of Participatory Budgeting in Brazil
Inter-American Development Bank, 2003
The main objective of the study, prepared for the Inter-American Development Bank, was to assess the extent to which participatory budgeting is fostering the efficient and democratic allocation of resources and citizen involvement in planning and management of their localities. The study addressed the following topics:
- The participatory budget process, its organization and the activities occurring the different phases.
- The results of participatory budgeting in selected local governments of different level and size focusing on the impact of project prioritization and resource allocation criteria.
- The institutional effort involved in the organization and management of the OP.
- Factors contributing to the success of the OP with special emphasis on the participation of lower income groups and women.
The report draws upon extensive field research undertaken by the Center for Urban Development Studies in several municipalities and the State of Rio Grande do Sul in 2001 and 2002. The field trips provided an opportunity to interact with mayors, local officials and civic leaders, as well as community groups and citizens at the OP meetings and in the different project areas we visited. Discussions with NGOs, social movements and community groups helped to assess the impact of participation on raising awareness of citywide issues, fostering civic involvement and empowering poorer populations, particularly women and youth.
