Pilot Implementation and its Results

As explained in detail in the previous chapter delineating the Model, the Integrated Municipality Governance Model (IMGM) was piloted at the Sultanbeyli and Şişli Municipality within the same structures of the titled project. The European Label of Governance Excellence (ELoGE) and good governance principles were converted into holistically practical and applicable models. During the piloting period, the adoption and operationalization of an integrated governance approach by municipal structures, its administration, and services were prioritized. Throughout this period, the infrastructures for the continuous development of good governance were installed at the two municipalities.

Essentially, two main processes were followed by the pilot municipalities for the evaluation and improvement of good governance. The evaluation process began with the administration of a gap analysis from the perspective of good governance. Relying on the ELoGE self-assessment benchmark, the municipalities carried out their own self-assessments. After analyzing these assessments, the stages and steps defined within the IMGM were implemented. In this scope, questions were prepared for survey, interviews, and workshops. Consequently, for deeper analysis, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the managers of the directorates. In-person interviews were completed with 16 managers of the Sultanbeyli Municipality and 17 managers of the Şişli Municipality. After the initial findings, details, a survey was implemented with 228 personnel of the Sultanbeyli Municipality and 511 of Şişli Municipality with the purpose of obtaining further details. Relying on the results of self-assessments, the data elicited from interviews and surveys, the general assessment and findings towards improvement were produced.

The Council of Europe certified trainers of ELoGE provided training to the municipal council members, vice mayors, managers, and key personnel on good governance at local level. In this manner, the level of attention and awareness about good governance and the ELoGE were raised among the key municipal actors at different levels. The workshops followed this stage. 27 people from Sultanbeyli Municipality and 39 people from Şişli Municipality took part at the internal stakeholder workshops. In these workshops, the current situation and improvement suggestions regarding good governance were collected from internal stakeholders. Following the internal stakeholder workshops, a similar process was put in effect with the external stakeholders. In total, 66 participants took part and provided views at the two workshops which were held. The external stakeholders consisted of the representatives from other public institutions, civil society organizations, and the neighborhood heads of the two municipalities. Following these stages and steps, the project team prepared Gap Assessment Reports for each municipality by taking the IMGM and ELoGE as reference. These reports then were presented to the members of Project Advisory Board and their views and suggestions were collected.

The Gap Report Reports presented short, medium, and long-term improvement points for each municipality. The project team prepared action plans in consultation with the municipalities’ implementation committees. The municipalities implemented the short-term actions within a scheduled timeline. The short-term actions were taken with the intention to acquire the ELoGE while the medium and long-term actions aimed at the implementation of the IMGM. The municipalities successfully implemented the short-term actions within two months. The project team monitored the implementation process and issued reports detailing the progress made. During this period, the municipalities gathered for experience sharing and exchange of views. Inter-municipal learning was supported with the sharing of the various implementation practices. After successfully completing the action plans, both municipalities submitted applications for acquiring the ELoGE and gained the right to use the Label for the first time in Türkiye. At the same time, they declared the commitment to continue to implement the medium and long-term actions with a view to improve a culture of continuous development.

During the implementation of the Integrated Municipal Governance Model Project, piloting the Model at the municipalities’ level(s) indicates the immediate gains acquired and established the usefulness of the Model. Following this process, Sultanbeyli and Şişli Municipalities shared the concrete gains and the results. Following statements summarized by these and authored by the municipal representatives.

The IMGM proved its usefulness at the piloting stage in terms of holistically operationalizing good governance at the municipalities as well as installing a culture of continuous measurement and improvement culture. The piloting also supported Argüden Governance Academy in testing its own models and tools with this new model. The process provides clear insights about how the Model can be practically implemented, by whom, and where.

In conclusion, with the piloting process, the model and the benefits of good governance became more applicable for other countries and cities. The acquired results also provided a rich knowledge source in preparing this publication.