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“Svishtov: A Community-Based Investment Program for Municipal Development,” Technical Assistance for Capital Investment Strategy in Svishtov, Bulgaria, 2002

Abstract

A 2002 report “Svishtov: A Community-Based Investment Program for Municipal Development” addressed the capital investment strategy in Svishtov, Bulgaria, involving an implementation strategy designed to encouraged financial partnerships among civic groups, the private sector, and the municipality to address city-wide and neighborhood improvement priorities.

Based on this initiative, the Svishtov municipality received a 2004 award from the Conrad Adenauer Foundation of Germany for innovations in Bulgarian municipalities. The initiative was also featured in a 2007 World Bank publication on participatory budgeting.


[Excerpt: Introduction, “Svishtov: A Community-Based Investment Program, p.2]

“In Bulgaria, the current investment planning process for municipalities, regions and the central government is not able to mobilize the financing that is so desperately needed for municipal investments nor effectively leveraging local resources. Many municipal projects submitted for funding from central and regional sources are not funded and remain on waiting lists for a considerable period. This has a direct impact on citizen participation in the planning and budgeting process. Citizens are often unsure if their participation will prove meaningful. The lack of meaningful participation at the local level is often a result of a feeling that “nobody will listen to us.” Additionally, local authorities feel frustrated because regional and national projects that have a significant impact on local development policies are carried out with little consultation from local authorities.”

“Tight municipal budgets and an increasing demand for improved services among residents and businesses is leading to new public/private partnerships that focus on mobilizing community-based resources to improve the urban environment. This places a challenge to the local governments to integrate effective and sustainable participation of the local communities and businesses in improving the quality of the living environment.”

“This case study describes initiative currently underway in Svishtov to develop a community based investment program. The program is suitable for smaller municipalities that can fund local programs from their own resources and can mobilize external funds for community-based activities. The methodology concentrates on developing a more responsive planning system for community based programs that complements the existing investment process that is primarily oriented towards larger scale projects. While elements of the community-based investment program are specific to Svishtov such as project selection criteria that reflect the programs that are a priority for the municipality, the process can be adopted to other municipalities.”

Project Year:2002
Project Type:Technical Assistance
Geographic Regions:Svishtov, Bulgaria
Reports:Svishtov: Community Based Investment Program for Municipal Development (Report, January 2004)
Authors:John Driscoll; Marianna Eneva; Anna Laskowska
Sponsors:RTI International; USAID
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2002_03_001
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“Assessment of Participatory Budgeting in Brazil,” Research Assessment, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2001-2003

Abstract

A study team at the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS) at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design contributed the report on “Assessment of Participatory Budgeting in Brazil: The Experience of the Participatory Budget In Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil,” assessing the extent of citizen involvement fostered by participatory budgeting. The report measured the efficiency of resource allocation in local planning and management within Brazilian communities in Rio Grande do Sul.

Documents include a 2001 summary of research on Rio Grande do Sul and a 2003 final report with accompanying Annexes.

Excerpt: 1.0 Executive Summary, p. 8

The main objective of the study is to assess the extent to which participatory budgeting (OP, or Participatory Budget is “Orcamento Participativo,” or Particatory ) is fostering the efficient and democratic allocation of resources and citizen involvement in the planning and management of their localities. The report draws upon extensive field research undertaken by the Center for Urban Development Studies in: Porto Alegre (population 1.3 million), the initiator of the OP in 1989; Gravatai (population 230,000), an industrial city in the Porto Alegre metropolitan area; Caxias do Sul (population 360,000) an urban center in a predominately rural area; Belo Horizonte (population 2.1 million), which implemented the first participatory housing budget (OPH); Santo Andre, (population 650,000), in the Sao Paulo metropolitan region, the city which has interlinked its participatory planning and budgeting processes; and, Rio Grande do Sul (population 10.2 million), the only state to have successfully implemented participatory budgeting.”

Project Year:2001-2003
Project Type:Research Paper
Geographic Regions:Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; John Driscoll; Liz Meléndez San Miguel; Luis Valenzuela; Consuelo Bravo; Elda Solloso; Clara Solá-Morales; Thomas Watkin; Yves Cabannes; Maria Gezica Baladares; Tarson Núñez; André Passos
Sponsors:Inter-American Development Bank
Categories:Informal Settlements and Urban Upgrading
  
ID:2001_09_001

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Design Studio 1997: “Strategic Planning and Local Development,” Seminar Curriculum

Abstract

The Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design hosted a Design Studio in Spring 1997, “Strategic Planning and Local Development,” led by Mona Serageldin and John Driscoll. The studio focused on strategies for urban and regional development for less developed nations, within the context of a globalized economy with cities being the engines of growth.

Documents include a workshop overview with objectives and schedule, a reserved materials list, and a bibliography.


[Excerpt: Syllabus Introduction, ‘Strategic Planning and Local Development,’ Spring 1997]

“The seminar will examine strategies for urban and regional development within the context of a globalized economy where cities are the engines of growth. Fierce competition, unavoidable interdependence, fast paced technological change, widening income disparities and environmental degradation are creating new challenges that urban development strategies must address.”

“Concepts and methods of strategic planning as a framework for participation, decision making and resource allocation will be examined focusing on the complementary roles of public and private actors in planning, financing and managing urban development activities in different economic, institutional and cultural settings. Case studies will illustrate proactive strategies to promote urban development, regenerate functionally obsolete areas and revitalized marginalized neighborhoods.

The seminar will examine the expanding scope of public/private partnerships and discuss the changing role of public agencies, private investors, NGOs and community based organizations in the rehabilitation of the built environment and the provision of housing and urban services. Case studies will illustrate sustainable initiatives focusing on the structure of the interface between city, community and the local business sector. The case studies will also highlight critical roles for urban planners and designers in leading and nurturing initiatives relying on empowerment.”

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1997
Project Type:Urban Design Studio
Geographic Regions:Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States (Seminar Location) / Cairo Metropolitan Area, Egypt
Reports:
Authors:Mona Serageldin; John Driscoll
Sponsors:Unit for Housing and Urbanization, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Categories:Design Studios; Education
  
ID:1997_01_001

Related I2UD Projects

Galleries 6-7: Egypt: Cairo and Helwan (1986, 1990)

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“Lublin Local Initiatives Program” & “Lublin Old Town Rehabilitation Project,” Technical Assistance for Urban Upgrading in Lublin, Poland, 1994-2000

Abstract

Between 1994 and 2000, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization (the Unit) and its successor, the Center for Urban Development Studies (CUDS), at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, worked on the Lublin Local Initiatives Program to promote urban development in Lublin, Poland. The program focused on rehabilitation and revitalization in Lublin’s neighborhoods to improve the quality of life by introducing the involvement of citizens in the planning process through participatory and empowerment strategies and the mobilization of local resources.

The Unit/CUDS subcontracted for the consulting firm Planning and Collaborative Development International (PADCO), and USAID/RHUDO Warsaw funded the mission to prepare guidelines for the development of Lublin’s municipal, technical, and managerial capabilities. The project included tenant participation and housing rehabilitation components. This work by the Unit and CUDS earned a Best Practice Award for excellence in improving the living environment at the Habitat II Conference in Istanbul in June 1996.

Documents fall into three main groups:

  • First, the Lublin Neighborhood Partnership Initiative documents (1995), including a Program Review mission, a Final Report, an Organizational Framework and Work Plan, a Strategy and Impact Assessment Impact Table, a paper on “Local Government Finance” by David Jones, and a Summary on “Initiating Neighborhood Partnerships” by Mona Serageldin and Ewa Kipta.
  • Second, a “Lublin Old Town Rehabilitation Project” proposal for the community supported upgrading plans for the historic Old Town region of Lublin, with Summary by Mona Serageldin from July 1996, “Lublin Seminar on City Revitalization: Revitalization of Distressed Urban Neighborhoods.”
  • Finally, a “Program Review Mission Field Report” November 1996 for the Polish cities of Szczecin and Lublin, with a “Lublin Field Report” from January 1997.

CUDS, later becoming I2UD, continued to rework Lublin-related documentation throughout the 2000-2010s for educational case studies or presentations. See two examples below for the Lublin Local Initiatives Program: Institutionalization of Community Based Development (Case Study, March 1997) and Lublin Local Initiatives Program: A Success Story (Report, October 2000).

See related I2UD projects below

Project Year:1994-2000
Project Type:Technical Assistance
Geographic Regions:Lublin, Poland
Reports:

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Authors:Mona Serageldin; Janne Corneil; John Driscoll; Ewa Kipta; David C. Jones; David Neilson; Richard Shortt; Bogue Trondowski; Anna Zietek
Sponsors:USAID Regional Housing and Urban Development Office
Categories:Reconciliation and Development
  
ID:1994_08_001

Related I2UD Projects

Gallery 12: Poland: Gdansk and Lublin (1994–1995)