Articles

Tactisch steekspel of tijdverspilling? : Strategische meerjarenplanning in Vlaamse gemeenten

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Abstract

Nowadays, municipalities form strategies and interact with the challenges and opportunities offered by the context in which they operate. From now on, Flemish municipalities are even obliged by the municipal decree to draw up a multiannual strategic plan (albeit in a transitory phase for the current legislature). That plan must formulate a coord inating strategy for the municipality and must contain guidelines for policy.  In our contribution we want to examine on the one hand the particular meaning of this strategic plan for local governments. Which contents are given to these plans?  How did these plans came about? What is the further course of these plans? What is the possible influence of local finances? Etc. On the other hand, we also want to take a broader look: how do we place the strategie plan in the light of the challenge of broader strategy formulation and decision-making which plays a vita l role in contemporary local government?
Starting from a case study in the city of Kortrijk that incorporates both research perspectives, we consecutively conduct an exploring study into this young practice of strategie planning in all Flemish municipalities. Thereby we use in both cases opinion research by interviewing/ surveying some key actors (politicians and/or civil servants).  They help us to (re-)construct a provisional picture of the contents, the lay out and the future possibilities of strategie plans in contemporary local government.

How to Cite:

Block, T., De Ceuninck, K., Reynaert, H., Steyvers, K. & Valcke, T., (2008) “Tactisch steekspel of tijdverspilling? : Strategische meerjarenplanning in Vlaamse gemeenten”, Res Publica 50(4), 409-441.