Public office and people co-administration in local development planning

This study focus on the appropriate approach to promote the engagement of citizens in the local development planning process. It uses interviews and focus group discussions with relevant groups. It was found that local government structures have been characterized by low centralization and high levels of connectedness. Besides structure, organizational culture has been considered to reinforce citizen engagement to be institutionalized in local development planning. Local government creates processes that can support citizens and community organizations. Finally, the local development planning presented by this study highlights the role of citizen engagement and local governance.