Community meetings were held with the Muhtars and residents in the 3 mahalle affected by the renovation activities. To remedy the lack of social data, a follow up survey of 50 families distributed across three mahalle was undertaken. The survey yielded information that led to the development of proposals for intervention linking houses to the municipal infrastructure and for the enhancement of economic opportunities for women. These initiatives qualify for funding under the World Bank grant program.

In an effort to minimize unnecessary relocation associated with new development and foster transparency in the allocation of new housing units delivered by the Mass Housing Co. to the municipality, a set of objective criteria was developed for the priority ranking of applicants and beneficiaries.

The mayor approved recommendations regarding changes in the organizational structure of the municipality. These changes establish:

• A strategic planning unit reporting directly under the mayor;
• A community initiative support unit;
• Create interdepartmental committees to ensure horizontal coordination at the managerial level; and
• Introduces participatory processes in the planning and management functions, including the participation of young people and women.
  
  

Finally, as a transition activity, we are helping the municipality prepare an application for a $500,000 World Bank funded grant to undertake a comprehensive community development project. This grant would significantly improve the lives of residents in selected informal settlements and launch a citywide program for the enhancement of opportunities for women and girls living in the informal settlements. The mayor and senior staff are in the process of finalizing the selection of potential project areas that would benefit from the grant.

Study team:

Mona Serageldin (Team Leader), Samir Abdulac, Yves Cabannes, Mustafa Gönen, Elda Solloso, Christa Lee-Chuvala

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Kars Province Regional Development

Following the completion of the technical assistance provided to the Municipality of Kars in November 2005, The Christiansen Fund awarded the Institute a follow-up grant to assist Kars Municipality and the Provincial Government in formulating guidelines for environmentally sustainable development, taking into consideration the strategic planning and management functions and the participatory dimension mandated by the new Municipal Law.

These guidelines will mainstream conservation of the cultural and natural heritage and the protection of biodiversity in all aspects of development. We will assist the provincial government and the Municipality, working with the private sector, NGOs active in Kars and local groups, to develop strategies and programs to:

• Protect and ensure sound management of cultural and natural assets
• Promote thematic cultural, ecological and agro-eco-tourism
• Foster biodiverse agriculture and traditional crafts and market their products
• Rationalize development around tourist areas and delineate thematic tourism routes
• Enhance income generation opportunities for men, women and youths in the villages
• Engage residents in urban settlements particularly those located on the peri urban fringe to improve their living conditions and develop urban agriculture projects.

Beti Minkin of Anatolian Harvest has agreed to bring to the project her expertise on the organization and marketing of biodiverse agricultural products and traditional handicrafts.

Study team: Mona Serageldin (Team Leader), François Vigier, Samir Abdulac, Mustafa Gönen, Christa Lee-Chuvala