Decentralisation and Strategic Planning at the Local Government Level And A Tale of Two Cities

Central and provincial governments have progressively realized that effective service delivery to the community is best delegated to local government. This decentralization trend has obliged local governments to enhance their professionalism and performance. Many local government authorities now go beyond one year budgeting and capital expenditure planning for a longer-term results focus.

To achieve this focus they use robust strategic and operational planning processes. These allow linkages to national planning, accommodate the need to respond to local priorities, and ensure accountability to their communities. Examination of some local government processes provides insights on results-based management in action at a local level and on how a results focus can transform performance.

Download this Paper/Presentation [ PDF 238.6KB | 26 pages ].