Urban governance in developing areas: Good practices, bad practices and what explains the difference
The dissertation provides an empirically grounded analysis of the challenges and limitations in urban governance, by exploring why some city governments are able to create and sustain, through the years, an institutional framework conducive to urban development, while others remain locked in damaging policies. It examines how governance is enhanced or constrained by local politics in urban centers where levels of economic development are among the highest in the country, have similar political structures, share comparable historical patterns, and are equally subject to the national political economy. The study is based on several months of fieldwork in two Brazilian state capitals, employing a variety of research strategies, including interviews, the examination of policy documents, public opinion polls. It is supported by quantitative indicators. The dissertation is based on a theoretical framework focused on local governments' capabilities, more specifically on their ability to put in place an institutional structure conducive to a more favorable policy environment. I argue that there are three critical variables shaping the policy process: political commitment, governing alliances and government's organizational skills. The existence of these public entrepreneurial attitudes increases the likelihood of more successful government actions, by allowing the governing group to escape from a vicious circle of damaging policies. I support my argument with an empirical analysis of the policy formation process of two cities' governments—São Paulo and Curitiba—in a 25-year period. The study contributes both to the literature on the policy implications of democratization and the broad field of international political economy. The findings show that—so far—democracy has not proven to be a catalyst for change in Brazil, in terms of the ability of governments to govern better. In addition, urban poverty, one of the developing world's greatest afflictions, remains as an almost intractable issue. However, with consistent municipal programs, supported by public consensus, local governments can mitigate the hardships of the urban poor.