Workshop C: Local government contributions

to economic recovery and sustainable development

a) After recessions in the 1990s many local governments developed active roles in promoting local economic activity and employment. How relevant do they remain in the current economic circumstances and how far are they being diversified or reinforced?

b)  Interventions included improvements in local physical infrastructure, by benefitting both from domestic and European Union stimulus and investments programmes?

c)  In several countries fiscal stimulus programmes are being specifically directed to projects designed to counter climate change. Examples include improvements in energy efficiency through insulation of public buildings and social housing, changes in local planning regulations, renewal of street lighting, urban transportation, etc. What is the practical experience of such efforts and which are the most efficient ways of intervention?

d) How has the crisis affected the appetite and capacity of private enterprises to engage in joint public sector investments?  In which sectors do the benefits of its management expertise and scale economy outweigh the costs of fragmented management and more expensive capital? Were there any changes in general public attitude and technical approach towards private sector involvement in municipal service provision?

e) Which indirect tools and interventions, such as supportive physical planning regulations and processes, more attractive physical and cultural environments, active municipal land policies and human skill development were used more widely for supporting local economic development?