Urban Governance for Local Communities as a Mechanism for Local Development: A Case Study of the Municipality of M'Sila

Abstract

Abstract : This research paper aims to shed light on the importance and role of actual decentralization and real financial independence as mechanisms to enhance governance and their implications on local development, particularly seeking concrete methods and means to reinforce these mechanisms. The research problem goes beyond recognizing the importance of urban governance in achieving local development, extending to the understanding of effective methods and approaches that allow its enhancement and activation for local communities in their pursuit of development. To achieve the research objective, the methodology relied on the descriptive-analytical approach by studying the model of the municipality of M'sila and assessing its administrative and financial independence, as well as its relationship with the noticeable development lag. Additionally, the research explored ways to enhance this independence. In conclusion, the results obtained, which can be generalized, indicate that the state, despite expanding the powers and diversifying the financial resources of local communities as stipulated by legal texts, has encountered misuse of authority and mismanagement of public funds. It has failed to achieve the desired development due to various reasons, including a lack of competencies, insufficient familiarity with management issues, and low financial capabilities of some municipalities. Therefore, these points were proposed as recommendations that need to be addressed to genuinely activate and enhance urban governance. Keywords : Urban Governance, Local Development, Local Communities, M'sila Municipality, Administrative and Financial Independence.