Legal Challenges of Community-Based Urban Governance in Iran (Case Study: Local Development Offices in Isfahan)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Community-based urban governance, as one of the new approaches to urban regeneration, requires institutions that effectively link the local community with formal management. Local Development Offices in Iran emerged after the 2010s in response to this necessity. Despite their positive functions, these offices still face numerous legal and institutional challenges. This study aims to analyze these challenges with a focus on community-based urban governance and Local Development Offices in the Hematabad and Sofla neighborhoods of Isfahan. Each neighborhood has distinct physical and social characteristics. The research method is descriptive–analytical and applied in nature. Data were collected through documentary studies, field questionnaires, and statistical analyses. The statistical population included residents of the mentioned neighborhoods and experts active in the field of urban regeneration. Statistical tools used were SPSS and Excel software as well as Friedman and Pearson correlation tests. Findings showed that various factors influence the performance of Local Development Offices. Among them, the lack of a clear legal status, weak institutional coordination, shortage of financial resources, insufficient expertise in local institutions, and lack of trust between citizens and formal management were identified as the most important obstacles. Moreover, comparing the two offices revealed differences in approaches and performance outcomes: the Hematabad office, relying on legal and physical principles, was able to gain relative residents’ trust and achieved better success in some renewal projects, whereas the Sofla office, focusing on socio-cultural aspects, failed to create effective institutional coordination and public trust. The results highlight the necessity of revising the legal framework of the offices, strengthening institutional and facilitation capacities, providing specialized training for managers and facilitators, and establishing a sustainable financial system. These measures can contribute to the improvement of community-based urban governance and the regeneration process of deteriorated neighborhoods.

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Main Subjects

References

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Geography and Territorial Spatial Arrangement
Volume 15, Issue 57
November 2025
Pages 29-58

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 02 July 2025
  • Accept Date: 20 September 2025

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