Definition – There are two distinct uses of the term governance
: (1) One is the way decisions are made, and policies formulated and implemented within a state government and therefore the spotlight is on norms, institutions and procedures which regulate the actions of state, non-state and private-sector actors. (2) The second definition applies outside of formal government. This identifies non-governmental, non-commercial arrangements, which supplement institutions and support social self-organisation. According to Fürst (2015), governance has implicitly the task to solve concrete problems and not to make profit. In the SUMP context, the first definition would apply to local planning authorities, given their formal responsibilities and functions. The second is relevant to non-governmental organisations and interest groups, which are stakeholders in the SUMP process. Good governance (often used in the context of international development cooperation) is linked to a set of specific values: it embraces the rule of law and the realisation of democratic principles and procedures, as well as the freedom of the press and the opportunity to participate in political life.
Relevance to SUMP – The governance arrangements in place at a public authority directly affect the ability of the authority to achieve the main SUMP characteristics. A review by the public authority of the governance arrangements should involve the identification of institutional, legal or financial barriers and barriers in the management and communication process. Implementing governance arrangements may involve establishing formalised and agreed procedures for joint-working with other departments, neighbouring public authorities, organisations in other policy sectors and public transport operators. They may also include, for example, a commitment to undertake specific citizen participation initiatives. Such arrangements can help to determine an authority’s potential to successfully prepare a SUMP, with special regard to whether horizontal and vertical integration and a participatory approach will be achieved.
Source: web.worldbank.org; pnd online 2015; giz 2015