Decentralization and Metropolitan Governance
Decentralization and Metropolitan Governance
Decentralization and Metropolitan Governance
TOPIC OUTLINE
I. What is Decentralization?
Decentralization - the transfer of authority and responsibility for public
functions from the central government to subordinate or quasi-independent
government organizations and/or the private sector - is a complex multifaceted
concept.
1. Political Decentralization
Aims to give citizens or their elected representatives more power in
public desision making. It often requires constitutional or statutory reforms, the
development of pluralistic political parties, the strengthening of legislatures,
creation of local political units, and the encouragement of effective public
interest group.
2. Administrative Decentralization
Seeks to redistribute authority, responsibility and financial resources for
providing public services among different levels of government. The three
major forms of decentralization
Decentralization and Metropolitan Governance
Three major forms of administrative decentralization
• Deconcentration
• Delegation
• Devolution
3. Fiscal Decentralization
Financial responsibility is a core component of decentralization. If local
governments and private organizations are to carry out decentralized functions
effectively, they must have an adequate level of revenues - either raised locally
or transferred from the central government - as well as the authority to make
decisions about expenditures.
Decentralization and Metropolitan Governance
Forms of Fiscal decentralization
• Self-financing or cost recovery
• Co-financing or co-production arrangements
• Expansion of local revenues
• Intergovernmental transfers
• authorization of municipal borrowing