Urban Development Policy Making

Urban Development Policy Making

Requirements for implementing participatory governance in urban management; Analysis of the participatory budgeting experience in Tehran Municipality

Document Type : َApplied Papers

Authors
Ali Alaeddini 1
Hadi Heidari Gharehbolagh 2
1 Director General of Planning, Budget and Performance Control of Tehran Municipality
2 PhD in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research and Systems Engineering
10.22034/judpm.2025.536365.1057
Abstract
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.
Keywords
Participatory governance
citizen budgeting
open government
transparency
participation
accountability

Subjects

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Urban Development Policy Making
Volume 3, Issue 1
Spring 2026
Pages 95-111

  • Receive Date 27 July 2025
  • Revise Date 06 September 2025
  • Accept Date 02 November 2025
  • Publish Date 21 March 2026