• Local governance & decentralization
• Assessing local governance & decentralization

Local governance & decentralization

This paper presents an overview of international experience in developing and using performance measurement systems in municipal governance and management. It covers four areas:

• the rational and objectives for municipal performance measurement systems
• the measures, methodologies and approaches used in measurement
• the use of the information by municipal governments
• the lessons learning and outstanding issues

The paper focuses primarily on the experience of municipalities and central government agencies in Canada, the United States, Britain, the Philippines, and to a lesser extent Australia. The study sees performance measurement as a process to support good governance in the municipal context. Success in the process requires the following:

• ensure that there is sufficient leadership to support the use of the measurement system
• build consensus among leaders and stakeholders on purposes and use of system
• view the system as a process for good governance, not a technology project
• develop a light performance framework and be prepared to revise it
• build institutional capacity for system management and use
• ensure relevant, reliable, timely performance data
• create institutional conditions to support the use of performance information and systems

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