University of Applied Sciences and Technology of Tehran Municipality Urban Development Policy Making 3092-653X 3 1 2026 03 21 Requirements for implementing participatory governance in urban management; Analysis of the participatory budgeting experience in Tehran Municipality Requirements for implementing participatory governance in urban management; Analysis of the participatory budgeting experience in Tehran Municipality 95 111 228837 10.22034/judpm.2025.536365.1057 FA Ali Alaeddini Director General of Planning, Budget and Performance Control of Tehran Municipality Hadi Heidari Gharehbolagh PhD in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research and Systems Engineering Journal Article 2025 07 27 <span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: FA;">Article examines and analyzes the requirements for implementing participatory governance in urban management, with a specific emphasis on the practical experience of the “I am the Mayor” project within Tehran Municipality. Employing an analytical approach based on an extensive review of library resources, scientific articles, and reports on urban and governmental management, this research evaluates global perspectives and experiences in participatory governance and public participation in city administration. The qualitative data analysis relies on logical reasoning, comparative analysis, and textual evidence. Key findings indicate that a fundamental pillar of participatory governance is governmental openness, enabling citizens to actively engage in decision-making processes through transparency, participation, and accountability. Furthermore, successful implementation necessitates a robust two-way communication system between the government and citizens. The acceptance of civic roles by the populace is identified as a crucial requirement for participatory governance. Finally, citizen budgeting, a novel approach in urban management that highlights citizens’ active involvement in resource allocation and financial decision-making, is presented as another vital element of governmental openness. In this context, the “I am the Mayor Project” stands out as a pioneering and unique experience in implementing participatory governance in Tehran. The study’s outcomes are also applicable to cities with political and social backgrounds similar to Tehran. By scrutinizing the project’s successes and challenges, the article proposes solutions for generalizing and enhancing participatory governance processes in urban management.</span> <span style="font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: FA;">Article examines and analyzes the requirements for implementing participatory governance in urban management, with a specific emphasis on the practical experience of the “I am the Mayor” project within Tehran Municipality. Employing an analytical approach based on an extensive review of library resources, scientific articles, and reports on urban and governmental management, this research evaluates global perspectives and experiences in participatory governance and public participation in city administration. The qualitative data analysis relies on logical reasoning, comparative analysis, and textual evidence. Key findings indicate that a fundamental pillar of participatory governance is governmental openness, enabling citizens to actively engage in decision-making processes through transparency, participation, and accountability. Furthermore, successful implementation necessitates a robust two-way communication system between the government and citizens. The acceptance of civic roles by the populace is identified as a crucial requirement for participatory governance. Finally, citizen budgeting, a novel approach in urban management that highlights citizens’ active involvement in resource allocation and financial decision-making, is presented as another vital element of governmental openness. In this context, the “I am the Mayor Project” stands out as a pioneering and unique experience in implementing participatory governance in Tehran. The study’s outcomes are also applicable to cities with political and social backgrounds similar to Tehran. By scrutinizing the project’s successes and challenges, the article proposes solutions for generalizing and enhancing participatory governance processes in urban management.</span> https://www.judpm.ir/article_228837_c94f33adfd90992959b6abc44d3d794c.pdf