Understanding good urban governance: essentials, shifts and values

Firstly, author used the painting Effeti del Boun Governo in Citta allegoria , which is created by Lorenzetti. That painting shows citizens living peacefully together, engaging in transactions and alliences. This painting nicely exemplifies that good governance is more than “doing good things”.

Secondly, good governance has eight major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and follows the rule of law. Rule of law is the most important factor in good urban governance. Furthermore, good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced by an impartial regulatory body, for the full protection of stakeholders. Also, transparency means that information should be provided in easily understandable forms and media; that it should be freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by governance policies and practices, as well as the outcomes resulting therefrom; and that any decisions taken and their enforcement are in compliance with established rules and regulations. Next, good governance requires that organizations and their processes are designed to serve the best interests of stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe. In addition, urban governance needs consultation to understand the different interests of stakeholders in order to reach a broad consensus of what is in the best interest of the entire stakeholder group and how this can be achieved in a sustainable and prudent manner. Another necessity is equity and inclusiveness. The organization that provides the opportunity for its stakeholders to maintain, enhance, or generally improve their well-being provides the most compelling message regarding its reason for existence and value to society.